THE Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland (Tafi) has issued the following official statement in relation to angler contributions.

“Tafi, having consulted extensively with its membership on the review of the 1959 Fisheries Act, have been mandated to oppose any imposition of regulations which are currently being drafted by the Minister and his Department.

“Tafi will vehemently oppose on behalf of its members any attempt to impose any of the following: a) a compulsory angling charge; b) a register of anglers; c) a national identity card; d) the imposition of penalty points on its members and e) any attempt to alter the current status enjoyed by our member clubs through title research.

“Tafi implores the Minister to recognise the invaluable contribution made by anglers and angling clubs to the local economy and the vital role they play in promoting and protecting this valuable industry. The proposed measures would only undermine this crucial industry, worth an estimated €750 million per year, and lead to its demise.”

Lough Currane
An update on Lough Currane over the first two months of the season began with appalling gales and torrential rain. Nevertheless, some dedicated anglers ventured out on those rare days when the lake did not resemble the open Atlantic.

To date, 14 salmon have been caught (twice the number as in the same period last year). All conditioned fresh springers averaging around 4.5kg. The best so far is a fine fish of 6.5kg (14lbs 4oz) caught by angling guides Neil and Tom O’Shea only minutes after having set out from their moorings.

With the fine weather last week and the lake level falling, we should see more action over the Bank Holiday weekend!

Lough Sheelin
The first full report of the season from fisheries officer Brenda Montgomery sets the scene on Lough Sheelin and copperfastens the lake as one of the finest wild brown trout fisheries in Europe.

Last week conditions were good with a little wind sufficient for Monaghan angler Peter Boyle to connect with the longest trout he has ever caught at 63.5cm and weighing 2.7kg. Later in the day the same angler landed another “really fat” trout which although shorter than his first, weighed heavier at 2.8kg.

Two days later, Gary McKiernan of Sheelin Guiding Services stepped up to the plate and joined the “‘Over Eights Club” by landing an impressive 3.9kg (8lb 11oz) 68cm trout on a Glister Ollie after a 20-minute play-off.

“Anglers need to sit up and take notice for Sheelin has come alive and has the capability of turning every trout fisher’s dream into a reality,” Brenda said.

“With the current cold spell trout tend to go deeper, so it makes sense to use a sinking line and artificial flies/lures resembling food the trout are eating, which is predominantly shrimp, louse, snails and nymphs.

“Hunger is not the only reason that trout will take the fly, sometimes it can be curiosity and aggression. A team of three can strike gold, perhaps a Humungus on the point, a Hackled Wet on the middle dropper and a Dabbler on the top dropper.

“If an angler is new to the lake, the best way to learn is by hiring a ghillie, it’s money well spent as devoted Sheelin anglers are notorious for not giving away their hard-earned information, trade secrets and personalised killer-fly combinations – and who could blame them,” Brenda says.

Most successful flies were the Dabblers, Hare’s Ear, Glister Ollie, Bibios, Humungus, Minkies, Golden Olive Bumbles, Connemara Black and Midnight Stalker.

Best areas centred on Chambers Bay, Crover, Inchacup and Merry Point. Total number of trout: 25.

Note: Eamonn Gillespie has recently been appointed manager of Crover House Hotel on the shores of Sheelin. Gillespie is very tuned in to the visiting and local angling scene. The food is delicious and the hotel offers special accommodation deals for anglers.

angling@irishtimes.com