It was a real pleasure to visit again my old stomping ground on St Patrick’s Day. I live close to the Tolka, the river where I first “cut my teeth” at an early age and which has stood me in good stead with this wonderful sport ever since.
At the Finglas stretch, above Cardiffsbridge, I was impressed with the water clarity, the wildlife, the variety of fly life, the shallows and deep pools, as the river meandered past Tolka Valley Park. Very little had changed in half a century.
Except perhaps one ingredient – the abundance of wild brown trout. I recall peering over Ashtown Bridge at the evening rise and seeing trout everywhere! It was not uncommon to catch a good one in the two-kilo bracket.
St Patrick’s Day was opening day for the Tolka Trout Anglers’ Association (TTAA) and to herald the new season, a competition was held with the emphasis on juniors. To ensure a good catch, the lower reaches at Blanchardstown and Finglas were stocked in advance with triploid brown trout.
The sunny day brought the families out in their droves, as perhaps 100 juniors and adults lined the bank from early morning until close of play at 4pm. Worms, corn and spinners were much in evidence in search of the “big” one.
And catch they certainly did! At the weigh-in, 19 juniors and eight seniors each presented fish, some reaching 2kg. Redoslaw Lewandowski’s trout was rather special, tipping the scales at 2.1kg (4lb 10.5oz).
Association chairman Christy Emmett thanked everyone for coming along and he particularly thanked Des Chew from Inland Fisheries Ireland for sponsorship and Irish Tackle and Leisure for providing the prizes.
At the Blanchardstown stretch, fisheries inspector Josie Mahon said the Tolka River Environmental Alliance (TREA) club were also out in force, with many juniors and adults out from dawn. There were many fish caught and released in the course of a most enjoyable day.
A great selection of rods and reels were presented to the winners. Ms Mahon, said: “Both TREA and TTAA have done trojan work in looking after the river over many years and in working with the Dublin Angling Initiative encouraging youths to take up fishing.”
Sponsorship scheme
A sponsorship programme under the National Strategy for Angling Development was launched recently by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) with the aim of providing support to angling groups, associations and clubs towards implementation of fisheries-related events.
Applications will be considered for support for the following:
(a) Large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase its angling resource and contribution to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses. Maximum support of €3,000 per event;
(b) Novice angler events which increase participation in angling. Maximum support of €250 per event;
(c) Information dissemination to promote conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource eg seminars/coaching training/workshops etc. Maximum support of €500 per event.
“We would like to see more young people, women and people with disabilities take up angling as a hobby and hope that this programme will help to achieve this,” said IFI chief executive Dr Byrne.
Intending applicants are encouraged to review the application criteria in advance so they can produce the best possible proposal.
Application forms are available for download at: www.fisheriesireland.ie/sponsorship-1/653-sponsorship-programme-application-2016 and must be submitted to Business Development Section before 15th April 2016.
Anyone interested in applying for the programme should visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/sponsorship-programme.html.
Residential course
Prof Ken Whelan has joined forces with Delphi Resort (www.delphiresort.com) to run a series of angling and watercraft courses, the first of which will be a salmon course for beginners and improvers on the River Erriff at Aasleagh Lodge from next April 22nd to 24th. This will be a residential course and will give participant’s access to this famous salmon river for two full days.
The package includes two nights B&B at Aasleagh Lodge; two lunches, one evening meal and free fishing. Quality instruction by Jason O’Riordan and Ken Whelan. Cost: €380 per person sharing; single room supplement €79.
He said: “It will be a great pleasure for me to find myself back working on the Erriff, as I was part of the Central Fisheries Board team that purchased the river from Lord Brabourne in 1982. I subsequently surveyed the river and established a sea trout and salmon research programme.”
Additional courses later in the season, on the Rye Water and River Slaney, include: May 1st, river trout: Match the Hatch; July 23rd/24th: river and night fishing for sea trout.
Kerry court case
At a recent sitting of Tralee District Court, Judge James O’Connor convicted a Kerry-based pig farming company in relation to a pollution incident arising from its premises at Castleisland, Co Kerry.
Pollution of a River Maine tributary stream had been noted by fisheries staff with extensive sewage fungus growth and water discolouration over two 2km of channel, downstream of a contaminated surface drain discharging from the defendant’s farm premises.
Judge O’Connor found the company guilty on both charges, imposing a fine of €500 on the first charge and marking the conviction on the second charge as “taken into consideration”. Costs and expenses were awarded to Inland Fisheries Ireland of €2,603 with the company given seven months to pay.
Kerry calling
Bass angling guide John Quinlan invited all to join himself and Henry Gilbey for a spectacular fishing trip to Kerry this year. Included are four days superb fishing; guiding across a variety of species; your experience documented by one of the world’s best fishing photographers, and five nights top class food, drink and accommodation.
All this against the backdrop of the spectacular Kerry coast and mountains. Contact John at (066) 947 4721 for bookings.
angling@irishtimes.com
