Recommended flies for Mask

After a spell in England during the mid-noughties I returned to Ireland and came to live in Ballinrobe. During that time I kept a boat at Cushlough, learning a little bit about the trout fishing around that part of Lough Mask. Previously (we are talking the late ‘90’s) I kept a boat on the other […]

Safety and security

Always think of safety when you are going fishing on the big loughs. Every year people lose their life on these dangerous waters, often due to not taking the proper precautions. Check the weather forecast before heading out and make your plans accordingly. Wear a lifejacket at all times when on or near the water. […]

Between Ciara and Dennis

This craik of ‘naming’ windy days is a nonsense to me. I live in the west of Ireland and guess what? It gets wet and windy during the winter. The near constant weather warnings and maps with shaded areas where it is going to rain are over the top in my opinion. Anyway, Ciara soaked […]

Baits

Spent an hour this afternoon sorting out the bait boxes. Some unsuccessful ones have been relegated while others were given new split rings or hooks. All set for the new season now! We have had days of high winds and heavy rain here in the west. All the rivers are huge and there is some […]

Irish salmon licence

I bought my 2020 salmon licence today from Pat Quinn’s shop in Castlebar. €100 for the licence to fish for salmon and sea trout across the whole of the Republic. Wonder what this season will bring? Three tags looks very optimistic to me! For visitors the whole question of angling licences and permits can be […]

Cardinal 66

Pulled out my old cardinal 66 spinning reel to give it a good clean and lub. Looks like I need to invest in some new braid as the spool is looking decidedly low. The old girl still runs smoothly and I get great pleasure from using it. It is heavy and the retrieve rate is […]