Angling News
Angling News - Bangor, Ballina & Sligo - 21 Mar 2011
By Bryan Ward
22, Mar 2011 - 23:28

Salmon Angling

Lough Beltra

Lough Beltra opened on Sunday 20th March, and anglers who ventured out enjoyed one of the best opening days in memory. The first spring salmon of the season was caught by Jim Ruane, Castlebar, off Morrison's in the morning, a fine fresh fish of 7lbs. This proved only the beginning of an excellent days fishing, with a further three springers caught throughout the day. Declan Dooley undoubtedly had the best catch of the day, a fresh run salmon of 13lbs, caught at the Quarry. Mel Parrott also had success catching a salmon of 8.5lbs in front of the Boat House, while Kevin Beirne caught his 9.5lbs salmon near the Buoy. Day two on Beltra also proved highly successful, with two fresh 10lbs salmon being caught, one by Rocky Moran and the other by Ben Baynes, taken on a ‘Badger' and a ‘Jaffa' pattern, respectively. All salmon caught on the opening days were safely released as Lough Beltra remains catch and release up to May 11th.

Lough Gill

The first spring salmon of the year was caught on Lough Gill on St. Patrick's Day. Sligo Anglers Association held a pike angling competition on the 17th; nine boats participated in the event, which unfortunately yielded few pike. However, the surprise of the day was when Thomas Donovan Jr., Ballisodare, caught a fine 10.25lbs springer while trolling a pike spoon. The fish was caught just off the "Pearl Rock" and was safely released.

Pike Angling
Local angling guide Kenny Sloan once again had success while guiding a group of visiting anglers in the area. Rodger Tomberlin and son Rodger Jr., U.S.A, enjoyed a successful days angling, while fishing out of Pontoon Bridge Hotel with Kenny. Rodger Senior had two pike for the day, weighing at 9lbs and 12lbs, yet it was Rodger Jr. who had the best catch of the day, boating a fine 16lbs pike which took a trolled swim bait. For details on guided pike angling in the Foxford/Castlebar areas, contact Kenny Sloan on 00353 (0)949256501 or 00353 (0)87 9670310.

Rodger Tomberlin Jr. U.S.A, and a fine 16lbs pike caught recently while fishing with angling guide Kenny Sloan.