An open day designed to share tactics and techniques for fishing on the world stage saw 10 young anglers gather at Lough Muckno in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, last weekend. The group included newcomers and former team members representing clubs from across the country. International angler James O’Doherty also came along to share his experience of fishing on the world stage.
The day started with demonstrations on set-up for international-style fishing and finished with an informal competition during which the young anglers displayed an array of talent and impressive skills. Plenty of fish were caught on the Concra Wood section of the lake, which gave ease of access for participants.
With uncertainty around travel to the world youth championships this year, youth team manager Gavin Walsh and under-20s assistant manager Nick Richards are instead using the time to encourage interest from junior anglers with a view to presenting teams in the under-15s, under-20s and under-25s in 2022.
Madcaps on the Shannon
The Madcaps club was delighted to see the famous Shannon bream make an appearance at their second club match this year. The mighty river produced some fine fish at every peg, with master angler Arthur Judge bagging 10 specimens for more than 80lb to win the match.
Club member Joe McEvoy said everyone was glad to be back on the bank, enjoying the social interaction once again, and the bream were the icing on the cake.
The club is based in Athlone. They fish year-round at a selection of venues in the area. “If it swims, we catch and release it” is the club motto, and new members who fish regularly and responsibly are always welcome. Madcaps also boast 10 coaches accredited to work with beginners and improvers.
The club is affiliated with the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland. Members work with local community groups and Inland Fisheries Ireland to keep fishing accessible to all.
The latest match was sponsored by local business Complete Solutions Financial Services.
Fly-fishing course
Jason O’Riordan and Ken Whelan will hold a one-day course on saltwater fly fishing for beginners and improvers at the Copper Coast in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, on Saturday, July 24th. The fee is €80 and places are limited.
The course will explain and demonstrate fish biology; selection of tackle and set-up; techniques required for bass, mullet and sea trout, and fish locations. The day will end with a session of “practise what you learn”.
To book, contact ken@kenwhelan.info, 086-7835900 or gamefishingireland@gmail.com, 087-2965712.
Bargain alert
A team of 12 rods from the US has recently pulled out of a trip to the Nordura River and Lodge in Iceland, over July 24th-27th. These rods would typically sell for about £4,900 (€5,700) per person and include full bed and board, transfers from Reykjavik and a guide per pair of rods.
Due to the last-minute nature of the cancellation, the holder of the rods will accept £3,750 (€4,400) or nearest offer. If you are interested, please contact justin@wherewisemenfish.com.
If you have an angling story to share, please send to me at angling@irishtimes.com.
