IN AN effort to raise funds for the ongoing development of Lough Mask, the Ballinrobe and District Trout Anglers presented Ronan Cusack of Inland Fisheries Ireland with a cheque for €500 following a successful two-day boat competition last weekend.
“The competition is of critical financial importance to facilitate our development of the lake and facilities. It is our main source of revenue. I would like to thank Jackie Mahon for his generous support and to everyone who helped in any way”, club chairman, Kevin Beattie, said.
Cushlough Bay was the hub of activity for the 33 teams of two and, true to form, the organisational skills of this fine club allowed the event to proceed without a hitch. Fishing conditions were ideal with overcast skies and stiff breeze over the two days.
The southerly favoured the Rocky Shore and it was from here most of the 105 fish presented for weigh-in were caught. However, Richard Cleary from Kanturk caught the largest trout of 3.37lb (1.5kg) on a Sooty Olive close to the canal on his first cast!
In the end it was a tight finish with three teams tying on 10 fish but the weight difference favoured 2012 World Cup winner Michael (Mick) Dunne and Frank Guilfoyle who claimed the Noel Farrar Perpetual Cup and the €1,000 cash prize sponsored by the host club.
Results: 1, M Dunne (Tourmakeady)/F Guilfoyle (Ennis); 2, T Foley (Ballinrobe)/J Forde (Cork); 3, D Kelleher (Ballinrobe)/R Law (Enniskillen). Best lady angler: A McWilliams (Cork).
What great value and enjoyment this competition brought. Two days fishing on one of the finest wild brown lakes in Europe and two evening meals in the clubhouse on Cushlough Bay. All for €65, superb value!!
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is taking part in an international survey with counterparts in the USA, the UK and Australia to improve fish habitats. “It’s a simple equation: the more quality fish habitat, the more quality fishing you will be able to enjoy. We would like to know more about you, what you know and what you think about habitat,” IFI said in a statement.
The survey should take about five minutes to complete and is available at:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/ FishersandHabitat.
All information is anonymous. IFI is offering prizes for the best suggestions and a link is included at end of the survey to enter draw.
The prizes are: €300 tackle voucher; 10 IFI measuring mats; 10 copies of Brown Trout in Ireland and 10 copies of Channels and Challenges.
The first Moy Fishery salmon for the 2014 season was caught on May 2nd by ghillie John Howley on the Ridge Pool. John was using a size 10 Yellow Ally’s Shrimp fished on a slow sinking line. The sea- liced fish weighed 7.8lbs (3.4kg).
Dabblers featured heavily on Sheelin last week with variants achieving a good success rate, namely the Claret, Silver, Pearly, Green, Black/Gold Straggle, Peter Ross and red-tailed Dabblers.
The Golden Olive Bumble, Buzzer, Hoppers, Gorgeous George, Silver Invicta, Black Pennell, Wickham’s Fancy, Green Peter and red-tailed Green Peter also produced results.
“May and June are the most popular months on Sheelin and the lake will very soon come alive with one of the largest mayfly hatches in Ireland”, IFI’s Brenda Montgomery said. John McGurran, Baileborough, Co Cavan caught the fish of the week, a five pounder on a balling buzzer. Total number of trout recorded: 155.
Lough Conn & Cullin Anglers’ Association will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a two-day trout fly-fishing festival on Lough Conn on Sat 31st May and Sun 1st June with fishing from 11am-6pm each day from Gortnor Abbey Pier, Crossmolina, Co Mayo.
Entry fee of €100 with boat and engine or €130 angler only, includes dinner each night. A 19” Sheelin boat sponsored by Michael McCabe; framed set of flies from Gary Binley and Tolan & Traynor Perpetual Cup make up first prize.
Entries to Pádraic Traynor (086-605 2687) or Orla Walsh (087-214 4395). Telephone entries accepted on basis fee is received prior to closing date of Friday 23rd May.
*angling@irishtimes.com
