Due to circumstances beyond their control, Corrib Mask Search and Rescue (CMSAR) had to remove the rescue boat from the water at Lisloughrey, Lough Corrib.

CMSAR would like to reassure all lake users that although the response time on the Corrib will be a little slower than before, it continues to provide a 24/7 (365 days a year) rescue service. ).

This is also a good time to remind all water users to have a means of communication handy and to always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Don’t hesitate to call immediately when things start to go wrong. Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard, who will send the necessary services to help you.

Illegal net

Inland Fisheries Ireland has secured the conviction of a man for illegally catching salmon on the River Nore.

Mr Francis Kennedy of Oaklawns, Paulstown, Co Kilkenny, was charged with illegally catching salmon, in a catch and release fishery. Mr Kennedy was found to have two wild Atlantic salmon in his possession during a search of his car in Clonamery, Co Kilkenny.

Lynda Connor, South East Director, said: “This conviction highlights the ongoing problem of illegal salmon netting and the IFI’s zero tolerance for this behavior. The number of wild salmon returning to Ireland has fallen from around 1.76 million in 1975 to 171,700 in 2022. This is a catastrophic decline in less than a generation.

The case was heard at Kilkenny District Court on October 22, 2024. Mr Kennedy was fined €300 and ordered to pay €400 in court costs to the IFI. The incident took place on June 30, 2024.

Live bait

The Fisheries Board has secured a conviction against an angler for using live roach to catch pike. Mr Oleksandr Gavryuchenkov of Ewings Bar Apartments, Carlow, illegally used live fish as bait. The incident happened near Ballytiglea Lock on the River Barrow, Borris, Co Carlow.

“The use of live bait is prohibited by law to prevent the transfer of non-native species between freshwater systems. The vast majority of Irish fishermen fish responsibly and follow national regulations,” according to Lynda Connor, IFI South East Director.

The incident was in violation of the regulation prohibiting the use of live fish as bait in fresh water.

Mr Gavryuchenkov was also accused of possessing more than 750g of pike meat. Anglers are not allowed to possess more than 0.75kg of pike meat or parts under legal conservation measures. He was fined €300 and ordered to pay €400 in costs to the IFI.

The incident occurred on March 25, 2024. The case was heard in Kilkenny District Court on October 22, 2024.

Third step

The third stage of the Winter League at Annamoe Fishery in Co Wicklow started last Saturday with many fish caught (45), connected and returned. The last stage will take place next weekend and the final in mid-December.

If you would like to participate in the final stage, call Brian on 086-259 8563.

Results: 1, Nicholas Madden (nine fish); 2, Anthony McGrattan (nine fish); 3, Maria Dunne (five fish).

If you have an angling story to tell, send it to [email protected] And [email protected]