IFI launch online survey on Currane catchment in Co Kerry – The Irish Times

Anglers who have fished the Currane catchment in Co Kerry are being asked for their views on the fishery through an online survey developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Entitled Fleksi, the survey is developed to provide an insight into the status of the fishery.

Over recent decades the populations of sea trout and salmon are facing serious challenges from various ecological changes and data gathered from Fleksi has the potential to guide fisheries management into the future.

The Currane catchment is Ireland’s most important sea trout fishery, with a long history of high-quality fishing, particularly for larger sea trout. The fishery is renowned internationally and acknowledged as the cornerstone of sea trout and salmon fishing in the southwest of the country since the 1900s.

The Fleksi survey will give anglers an exciting opportunity to share their knowledge as citizen scientists and to make a valuable contribution towards fisheries management on the fishery.

Dr William Roche, senior research officer with IFI, said: “The Currane fishery is particularly highly regarded by anglers, but there is grave concern about the health of its fish stocks in recent years. We are looking to anglers to relate their angling experience of how Currane is now compared to when they started fishing.”

Each participant can opt to enter into a draw for angling tackle, with one €200 voucher and one €100 voucher to be won.

For those who fish the Currane system, please fill out the following survey: fisheriesireland.ie/currane-anglers-survey-2022.

Specimen fish enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the 2021 specimen report will be available this month. The committee experienced delay this year due to overload of work and uncertainty following Covid.

The report will be available through the website specimenfish.ie and later on in hard copy.

A unique angling ‘fair within a fair’ is set to make a huge splash at the Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle, Antrim on 25th/26th June.

Fly fair director, Stevie Munn, said: “I am very excited to offer anglers a professional event dedicated to fly fishing. Visitors can get up close with some of the finest fly dressers in Ireland as they practice their art in the Old Railway Station.”

A casting area will host demonstrations designed for all skill levels with a free lesson from qualified casting instructors. A special ‘put and take’ fishery, with Lough Neagh as backdrop, will have instructors on hand to help those new to the sport.

There is also a chance to catch a very large fish on dry land with Daera’s angling simulator!

Keep up to date with the fair at antrimflyfair.com. The Irish Game Fair is supported by TourismNI, Antrim & Newtownabbey Council and CastleWood Holiday Park blairsholidayparks.com.

Eight men involved in a 20-year poaching operation in the River Teifi in West Wales have pleaded guilty to illegal fishing charges, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Investigations stemmed from a serious poaching offence in May 2020 and subsequent investigative work exposed broader criminality spanning two decades. All eight pleaded guilty and NRW is pursuing a Proceeds of Crime Act application against the main ringleader.

Gavin Bown, said: “The impact of this illegal fishing operation, other watercourses and coastal waters cannot be underestimated. These defendants have caused terrible damage to the stocks of salmon and sea trout. Their actions negate the benefits that would otherwise arise from investment by responsible river users,” he said.

If you have an angling story to share, please send to me at angling@irishtimes.com