De stressing

Sometimes its just nice to be out on the river even if the fish don't show up. Yesterday evening I badly needed a couple of hours on thee river Moy. Three hours of Monthly Management Meeting earlier that day had drained me and my batteries needed a charge of fresh air and flowing water. IContinue reading "De stressing"

Boat launch

Later than normal, we dropped my boat off at Pike Bay on lough Conn this morning. It is usually some time in late March or early April that my old grey boat is unearthed from the depths of the shed and dragged up to the Conn, but this year the gods conspired against me andContinue reading "Boat launch"

New toy

So I bought this gadget for make neat loops in pieces of wire. The idea is that I will be able to salvage some old Flying C lures which have been lying around for years simply by replacing the wire and the latex skirts. The tool itself is easy enough to use once you haveContinue reading "New toy"

Bibio Dabbler

There can't be many Irish lough fishers who don't have this fly or something very like it in their fly box. Perhaps one of the earliest variations on the Dabbler theme, this one is a good early season pattern for trout. Use black tying silk, an 8/0 for preference. Hook sizes vary depending on whatContinue reading "Bibio Dabbler"

Up and running

I took a couple of days off work, initially to fish the Burke competition down in Clonbur but when that was cancelled I switched to salmon fishing and headed for the Moy and lough Beltra. The Moy at Ballylaghen Despite good conditions Tuesday was fishless for me and Ben. Micksy Clarke landed a sea licedContinue reading "Up and running"

Prospects for Beltra

The angling season on Lough Beltra opens on 20th March as always, so what are the chances of an early springer? So with only 3 days to go I thought I'd give you an update on the conditions here. With no counter on the Newport river there is no sure way of knowing but IContinue reading "Prospects for Beltra"

Salmon spinning

In these days of reduced salmon runs there seems to be an understandable move away from spinning in favour of fly fishing. While I am personally primarily a fly fisher I do still enjoy using the spinning rod when conditions dictate it would be more effective. This season I will be fishing the River MoyContinue reading "Salmon spinning"

Will Cullin come good?

Lough Cullin has been fishing very poorly for many years now which is a great pity as it has a character all of its own and used to be a favourite venue for me. Will it's fortunes change for the better this season? dark skies over Cullin from a few years ago The whole areaContinue reading "Will Cullin come good?"

Too much?

I think I am working in the wrong industry. My background is in manufacturing and business development but I have finally come to realise that I should have taken an altogether easier path and built a career in sales instead. Not any old 'sales' you understand. No, I should have been flogging fishing gear allContinue reading "Too much?"