GLASNEVIN Crematorium Church was packed for the funeral service for Dick Warner. His sons, Luke and Sam, gave a moving account of their dad’s life spanning more than half a century.
Always an outdoor man, he loved nature and became a master environmentalist travelling the world as far as Ethiopia before finally settling in Gilltown, Donadea, Co Kildare with his beloved wife Geraldine and two sons.
His outdoor work involved numerous television and radio programmes; perhaps his most recent series brought him most enjoyment and fame with that beautiful voiceover as he journeyed on the Royal Canal to the Shannon.
Down through the years, our paths crossed on many occasions. Dick attended the majority of our media fishing trips, indeed, last year’s weekender to Clonbur was particularly enjoyable. Apart from fishing on Lough Mask, the evening music sessions in Burke’s brought great joy to both Dick and Geraldine.
Make no mistake, he was a brilliant fly fisher. I remember at Carton House on the Rye, Danny Goldrick saying to him: “Dick, you cast a terrific line.”
How right he was.
And so, as we said farewell to Dick, we look forward to his forthcoming TV series which entails 13 different inland species of fish.
Thanks for the memories Dick.
Anglers in Wales asked to release all salmon caught
Anglers in Wales are being asked to release all salmon caught in 2017. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has made the request as numbers continue to give cause for serious concern.
Fish stocks are assessed annually and assessments for 2016 show that all but two of 23 salmon rivers (Severn and Usk) are failing to reach their management target. For sea trout, 16 of 33 rivers assessed are in a similarly poor condition.
About 78 per cent of salmon and sea trout are released after being caught although this includes existing statutory controls. The number of fish returned on a voluntary basis is around 60 per cent during the summer.
To give fish the best chance of survival, it is important that they are handled with the utmost care and released as quickly and carefully as possible.
Anglers can help by using barbless single or double hooks, playing the fish quickly, keeping it in the water at all times and supporting the fish facing into the current until it is strong enough to swim away.
Methods such as the use of worm and treble hooks can seriously reduce their chance of survival and anglers are urged to use other methods.
Over the last 15 years NRW, in partnership with Rivers Trusts, the Welsh government and the Sustainable Fisheries Programme, has invested millions of pounds to improve stocks.
This has included opening up over 1,500 kilometres of previously inaccessible spawning grounds by building fish passes and easements, and improving over 500 kilometres of habitat.
Peter Gough, principal fisheries Advisor for NRW, said: “Although stock levels continue to be a cause for concern, some rivers are showing positive signs. The Wye showed a really encouraging improvement in salmon numbers in 2015 and 2016 and we predict it will move out of the ‘at risk’ category by 2020.
“The River Ogmore is also worthy of mention with Ogmore Angling Association introducing their own rules to ensure 100 per cent of salmon caught are released.”
Danish visitors enjoy excellent sport on Moy
The Moy had another excellent week with over 500 salmon reported. Angling was good throughout the system with suitable water levels and all fisheries reporting plenty of action.
Danish fly anglers, Thomas Vinge and Jan Brinch Hansen enjoyed excellent sport on the Moy Fishery catching four salmon (all released). Most fish fell for a small Red Francis tied by Thomas.
Over 80 fish were reported from the Ballina Salmon Anglers water and Frank Cliff, Switzerland, fishing Mount Falcon had eight on fly. Coolcronan had its best week so far with 20 fish while Rinanney and the Foxford Salmon Anglers stretch produced almost 80 for the week.
Burrishoole Fishery now open
The Burrishoole Fishery is now open under Bye-Law 951 which entails catch and release for wild fish, ranched carcass tagged and barbless single hooks only.
On opening day, Pat Hughes from Lisburn caught the first fish and went on to land a further two which marked a promising start to the season on Furnace. To book fishing, contact +353 (0)87 237 7078.
Dates for Rathmullan Charters
Weekend dates available for wreck, reef and tope fishing with Rathmullan Charters in Co Donegal, are: Sun 2nd and 9th July; Sat 15th July and Sat 12th August. The cost for groups up to 10 persons is €400 and includes rods and reels. Some midweek dates also available in July and August.
Call 087-248 0132 or email rathmullancharters@eircom.net for details.
angling@irishtimes.com
