Last Sunday February 2nd the cream of Irish Angling drifted into Mullingar, and The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association of Ireland held their Annual General meeting in the Greville Arms Hotel. Delegates from many clubs across Ireland dropped into the Midlands. Also this week news that the much-awaited publication of the Irish Specimen recording break catches in 2013 has being published and is available now. Also we have a few contact details for Midland Anglers wishing to travel to the West of Ireland for the opening of the trout season. This coming Friday Lough Lene hold they’re A.G.M. and a huge crowd is expected to make their way to Collinstown Hall. The lake opens for trout fishing on March 1st, and we will be Out & About once again after some cracking brown and rainbow Trout. We are told that very little space is left for trade stands at this years Ireland Angling Expo, and that there is a huge range of Tackle and Trade stands booked in for this years event. It’s a great two days and you will certainly pick up a few bargains.
I.T.F.F.A./ A.G.M. Last Sunday delegates from clubs affiliated to The Irish trout Fly Fishing Association drifted into the Midlands, and held their Annual General Meeting in the Greville Arms Hotel. It was a well-attended meeting, and all our local clubs were represented on the day, which included Owel, Ennell, Lene, Derravaragh Glore, and Sheelin & Lough Bane. The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association host many qualifying competitions across the midlands where anglers are selected to represent their Country at International level. In the coming weeks I will keep Anglers posted on the dates and venues for this seasons I.T.F.F.A. Qualifiers.
IRISH SPECIMEN FISH 2013. The 2013 Irish Specimen Awards booklet is available now, and is packed with all of the 2013 record breaking catches. On again Lough Ree, and Derravaragh featured well with some cracking bream specimens caught. The River Shannon produced a few nice specimen Pike, and Derravaragh featured well In the Roache/Bream Hybrid awards. Looking at the Rudd catches for 2013 only two were recorded and Derravaragh produced a Specimen Rudd on September 9th for Robert Tully. The lake also produced a huge specimen Tench of 7.62lbs for Ben Carvosso of Dublin, who features from time to time in Angling Focus. Alan Stensons River Shannon Trout picked up an award, and this cracking fish weighed 9.74lbs.The Awards Presentation will take place on Saturday February 15th in Bewleys Airport Hotel. I will have a more detailed look at the specimens caught on our local lakes and rivers all going well next week.
LENE A.G.M. This coming Friday Lough Lene Angling Association will hold their Annual General meeting in Collinstown Hall. This is one of our largest clubs in the Midlands with over 500 hundred members on board. The lake produced some huge brown and rainbow trout yearly, and is heavily stocked by the Club. Last season Lene was stocked with 3,500 2lbs plus Triploid Brown Trout, and up on 12,500 2lbs plus Triploid Rainbow Trout. Annual Subscription must be in by 17th March 2014, and failure to pay in time will result in loss of membership. Membership Fees are Adult 60 Euro, O.A.P. 40 Euro, and Juvenile 15 Euro, membership is capped, and there is a waiting list. 2014.The Lake opens for Trout on Saturday March 1st.
OPENING DAY ON MASK, CORRIB.Hopefully all going well we will be down the West for opening day for the Trout. The Western Lakes and Rivers open 2 weeks earlier than our Midland lakes and its kicks off on February 15th.If you fancy a day on Mask or Corrib give Hugh O, Donnell of Clonbur House self catering. Hugh can provide boats for both Corrib and Mask, and can be contacted on 087-0537791.Burkes of Clonbur is a real Hot Spot for Anglers and the Bar and Lounge is decorated with fantastic photographs and stuffed fish caught on Mask and Corrib over the years. Tomas Burke can be contacted on 087-9099593.
ALMOST SHOW TIME. We are told very little space is left for Tackle or Trade stands at this years Ireland Angling Show, penciled in for February 15th and 16th at the National Show Centre. It’s a Mecca weekend and you will certainly pick up plenty of bargains, and check out all the latest gear for the coming season. Unfortunally it clashes with the opening weekend down the West, but a huge number of visitors are expected over the 2 days. If you fancy checking for the last few available spaces or what’s on offer over the 2 days give Grace a call on 074-9548936 or check www.irelandanglingexpo.ie.
THAT’S IT. Well no shortage of water these days, and the unsettled weather is playing havoc with us Anglers. Hopefully it will settle soon, and we will be back out on the Lakes. Next week news on the Lough Bane A.G.M., plus we will catch up on more of the Specimen fish caught on our local Lakes and Rivers. Tight Lines till next week.
Contacts. Mick Flanagan
Angling correspondent and photographer.
Mobile: 087-2797270
E mail mick@midlandangling.com
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