Challenge laid down for salmon anglers

At last Saturday morning's launch of the 'Fish, Live, Learn, Irish Salmon Challenge' in Careysville, Clondulane were, l-r: Noel Fitzmaurice (Blackwater Salmon Fishery), James Robbins (Cadence Fly Fishing), Glenda Powell (casting instructor), Jimmy Tyrrell (Irish Fly Craft) and fishery manager, Patrick Devennie, holding a bottle of Bertha's Revenge Gin from Ballyvolane House. (Pic: John Ahern)

The image of the salmon was and remains synonymous with Ireland – for many years, it appeared on one of our monetary coins. An iconic fish, it is, unfortunately, getting scarce – much to the concern of anglers everywhere. A combination of changes to habitat, commercial fishing and environmental concerns are threatening stocks nationally and internationally.

NEW CHALLENGE

Internationally renowned fly casting instructor, Glenda Powell, who knows more than most about the Atlantic salmon, has come up with the idea of the ‘Fish, Live, Learn Irish Salmon Challenge’, a competition whereby anglers on the island of Ireland, are invited to record (weigh, measure and photograph) a salmon they’ve caught, before returning it to the water unharmed.

ATTRACTIVE PRIZES

A range of attractive prizes have been sourced for the ‘salmon challenge’, the most eye-catching being a hand crafted, specially commissioned bodhrán, on which, the winner’s name will be inscribed. This unique prize has been made by Malachy Kearns from Connemara, who owns and runs, Roundhouse Musical Instruments. Glenda is delighted with the finished product.

Full story in this week’s Print & Digital Edition