Angling notes: Great fishing on Corrib and Mask helps raise funds for autism

Autism came out tops at last weekend’s fly fishing competition on Loughs Corrib and Mask with money raised for this worthy cause in excess of €3,000.

Anglers and the local business fraternity contributed handsomely to support autism and this year’s benefactor, The Sensory Garden at Cong National School.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural competition at which 4,000 was raised, Dorrie Gibbons decided to hold the “Cast a Line for Autism” event on an annual basis and again, it was a huge success.

School principal, Martina Flannery, said: “Cong NS is mainstream catering for all needs. However, this year the board of management agreed to establish a set-aside garden to cater for all five senses including autism. On behalf of the school, I am extremely grateful for this fantastic donation today. While our sensory garden is at an early stage, this gesture will go a long way in fast-tracking the project. Thank you all so much.”

Lydon’s Lodge Hotel in Cong became a hive of activity as anglers registered, met their angling partners and decided on which of the two loughs to choose. Cong has the enviable position of being sandwiched between Corrib and Mask.

Cracking fish

Fishing was, of course, the focal point of the day and both loughs came up trumps with over 20 trout recorded, the best reaching 1.4kg (3.16lb) for Tom “Doc” Sullivan. It was no surprise that Basil Shields and Eddie Gibbons, widely regarded as possibly two of the best trout anglers in the country, took pole position on each lough. Fishing on Corrib, Basil brought in four cracking fish for 4.2kg (9.35lb), all on olives and mayfly. “I had my four by 12.30pm and went on catch a further six, three of which were over 1.8kg (4lb).

“Corrib fished its socks off last week. While guiding Colin Wright from Northern Ireland over four days we caught and released 57 trout, the heaviest touching 2.9kg (6.5lb), all close to my angling centre at Ardnasillagh Lodge in Oughterard,” he said.

Over on Mask, I teamed with Eddie Gibbons fishing the Rocky Shore and Yellowflag Island area. While I managed two trout for .8kg (1.82lb), Eddie caught three excellent fish for 2.4kg (5.35lb) on a red-tipped Green Peter.

At the prizegiving in Lydon’s Lodge Hotel, Dorrie Gibbons thanked the hotel for the splendid array of food, the anglers and sponsors for their generosity and, to the delight of the gathering, she looked forward to holding the “same again”, next year.

Results: 1, B Shields, 4 fish, 4.2kg; 2, E Gibbons, 3f, 2.4kg; 3, T Sullivan, 1f, 1.4kg; 4, S Kelly, 2f, 1.3kg. Best lady angler: N Breen.

Next day, I joined the Ballinrobe & District AC as a guest at their club competition on Mask, fishing out from Cushlough Bay. This annual event is considered a forerunner to the world cup which commenced last Thursday and concludes today.

Along with Mattie Lally and in ideal conditions we went after the daphnia feeders, drifting from Devenish Island across the deep. Typically, we met trout intermittingly on wets, boating 11 with three keepers. My thanks are extended to Marie Walsh and Denis Kelleher for their generosity and hospitality. The meal in the clubhouse was a real treat. Much appreciated.

At Dublin District Court last Monday, Alma Hygiene Ltd, pleaded guilty to the discharge of deleterious matter to the river Tolka on July 22nd and 23rd, 2014. Based on their own admission and evidence given by Inland Fisheries Ireland and Dublin City Council, Judge O’Neill awarded costs and expenses totalling €35,000.

It was yet another successful week on the Moy system with 945 salmon reported, bringing the yearly total, so far, to 4,735. After a big flood the previous weekend, angling peaked during the first half of the week resulting in very good fishing upstream of Ballina. Lures and worm proved to be most successful with water levels on the high side. Cian O’Rourke from Crossmolina celebrated his 15th birthday in style catching his first-ever salmon on the Moy at Foxford. Cian was using a bubble and fly and hooked his fish on an Orange and Gold Shrimp pattern.

angling@irishtimes.com