Mrach 2013 Mobile by Anthony Curran

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DE AT H S F I A LM OF SH A O ER N MA N

March 2013

Grizzley The Boatman Page 8

George Digweed Shoots Perfect Game Page 25

20th Festival Of Beagling Page 14 Game To Eat Student Of The Year Page 27 Game Keeper Convicted Page 25 Rabbit Snaring Page 16

Team Wild TV Page 29

Busy Day At Stormont Page 34 Wild Deer Association Page 35

Some Classic Trout Fly Immortals Page 19

Time To Move Fish Farms onto Land Page 42

Canada Geese Page 14

Fly Fishing The Himalayas page 10 I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Country Pursuits TV Page 45

The Golden Olive May Fly Page 49 Urban Angling Page 58

A Cracking 18lb Coalfish Page 59 Davie Mc Phail Page 60 Fields Sports Channel TV Page 62

New -Ian Gordanâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Spey Has It An Equal Page 68

FISSTA Say A Big Thank You Page 37

Swinging Wet Flies Or Nymphs On Streams And Small Rivers Page 77 River Barrow Navigation System Page 80

Catch of The Week Page 81 Blogs From The Bank Page 53

Hunter Vermin Page 85

Mayor Of Bandon Supports Opposition Of Local Anglers To Fish Farms Page 88

Mike Yardley Favourite Guns Page 75 I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

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I Shoot and Fish is a digital magazine from I Shoot and Fish.ie. All rights reserved. I Shoot and Fish its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for injuries or damages that may result from information, or interpretation of such, in articles or advertisements herein. Articles and advertisements may not specifically include all relevant and established safe practices, which always should be followed. Consult a particular gunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual or a qualified gunsmith before shooting any gun or ammunition.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Editors Notes Thankfully it’s March and the start of trout season for most. The weather looks like it is starting to warm just a little. It’s getting bright earlier and the evenings are getting longer. The birds are singing the morning dawn always a great sign that spring has arrived. I love this time of year. Walking the dogs through the forest at 6 in the morning with the warmth of the sun rising and the morning mist rising of the fields it really is a beautiful tIme of the day to be up. I am lucky enough to live close to Dromore Woods in Co. Clare where the dogs can run free and not get into anything they shouldn’t. Though to be fair we don’t meet too many other dog walkers at 6 in the morning. Walking along the small road in by the river your mind in its sleepy morning haze turns to fishing and the beautiful trout you see yourself catching as the sun warms and fish begin to rise to the morning flies. IA simple flick of the rod and they would be rising to my flies I can hear the conversation going on in head. Then we turn over towards the castle walk. Over the bridge we hear the ducks quaking and swimming out further in the lake as the dogs look at them. Pass the ruins of the castle and you wonder the history and people behind it and up into the forest. A beautiful big forest with many pathways the dogs leave my side once again and I hear the familiar roar of Rosie having found a scent of something and chasing it through the forest. On more than one occasion I have had a squirrel or a duck brought back. Pippin more playful and eager to retrieve than hunt stays a little closer though can rise a racket when comes across a scant. Old Honey (she is 15 now) a little slower in pace than the younger ones stays close. Coming back out of Castle Island through the car park and across the bridge to Rabbit Island though why it is called Rabbit Island I am not quite sure as I have yet to see a rabbit. This is only a short walk and soon we are back beside the river and on the road out where your minds clicks into reality that instead of flicking that rod to catch the trout you have another day in the office. So why am I telling you of my morning walk? Well I suppose I am reminiscing because I Shoot and Fish Magazine is on the move. Currently we are based in Clare however we are shortly moving to Mullingar Co. Westmeath. New walks, new fishing, new shooting.....the future awaits......

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Grizzley the boatman by anthony baggot I have met a lot of characters over the years in the trout fishing scene .I often think that after many many years fishing it’s the characters ,the friendships ,the shared experience that keep me interested .If it was just solely about fishing ,well I have the tee shirt well worn. I've had good days ,bad days ,won competitions ,blanked in competitions ,saw the best of trout angling ,saw the deterioration of trout angling, ,but to be brutally honest, the sole act of fishing isn’t enough for me .The most memorable days for me have been the shared experiences with fellow human beings. Indeed the days that spring to mind immediately have often been days when I blanked, and the slagging and crack between good friends, such as Phillip and Raymond, have made that day special. Some guys can go afloat on their own and fish away for 6 hours content with their own company .Not me; I will be tackling down after a couple of hours. I need company. As a young guy, I had the fortune or misfortune to follow up on an advertisement for a boat, and make the acquaintance of a rough tough, don't suffer fools gladly, boatman who plied his trade on a great western lake. I could and probably will write a book on this man, who I privately called Grizzly's, fished with him quite a bit, partly because he would ask me to, and I was terrified to refuse! Only years later I found out he took a peculiar delight in rising me. It was a funny relationship, I was terrified but in awe of him, and he insulted me, belittled me, laughed at me, but taught me an awful lot and was strangely protective. He was well into late middle age, I was in my prime, yet he had immense energy enthusiasm and strength. One of his party pieces was to heft the ancient 15 horse power on to his shoulder and walk away with one hand in his pocket, as if it was a toy. He was a traditional loughstyle angler, fished the same old traditional wet flies and caught as many fish as any angler. His cast always contained a green peter, a mayfly pattern and a couple pf darker flies, maybe a claret bumble or a bibio.I once asked him what he thought of static buzzer fishing---his reply, a curl of the lip and a barked reply “Glorified worm fishing”! He had a host of good stories about his activities, and no day was ever boring as he had a unique turn of phrase, and could tell a good yarn. His tales of boating the visiting gentry (which he had absolutely no time for) as a youngster were particularly informative. Over the dinnertime camp fire he would produce his crooked stem pipe and his tin of Mick McQueen tobacco (I still have one of his tins which I carry in my fishing jacket, full of dry flies) and soon clouds of aromatic smoke would be wafting skywards. He would talk, I would listen. Respectfully. He remembered the good old days as not being quite as good as we sometimes think they are. He told me he had encountered Kingsmill moore and while I goggled respectfully, I never knew whether to believe him or not. He often remarked that in that era practically any fish over 10 inches was slaughtered and if someone saw you returning a fish they would question your sanity. And he often observed that most anglers fishing split cane rods and heavy fly lines were well fit to finish early, so angling pressure and the inability to travel far, with a small or no engine doubtless helped the stocks.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

He once told me of boating a party of anglers, landed gentry from across the pond, when he was a hardy youth. He would want to be a hardy youth because in those days of engineless boating he would sometimes have to row his charges for several miles to cover water they wanted to fish. And one particular gent was singularly ungrateful, never thanking or indeed addressing Grizzley directly over the course of a few days fishing. However the bearded one had his own back one day when one of his charges had a lucky break and starting hitting fish with a pattern Grizzley had given him ,because as he said “he was the best of a bad lot". The leader of the party ,the Major, a monocled and moustachioed man ,of military bearing ,having seen the net hit the water again, roared across from his boat “ Hey boy, what are you killing those fish on” Grizzley looked across at him with a smile and replied “the edge of the boat seat major”,--Whack.! Another day he had a philosopher out for a days fishing. His comments the next day left me puzzled for a while, when I asked him had this man cracked the art of catching trout with his philosophies. “well he cracked my head anyway" he rasped, drawing deeply on the crooked stem pipe. “Spent the day rambling about some buck called Des Carter, never rose a fish all day” It was only drifting off to sleep that night I realised the “buck” was Descartes!!

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Fly Fishing The Himalayas by John Bailey Phew! An impossible article this in just a few hundred words. However, I'm drawn back to the hills of the Himalayas in part because a lot of fishing in lowland India has recently been brought to a halt by government edict. Whatever I might or might not think about this is irrelevant. What it does mean is that the opportunity for the fly angler on the subcontinent and the regions around are more limited than they were just a year ago.

Considering this, I'm now having to look almost exclusively northwards for my future trips to India. I've got no problem with this. I've always adored the rivers that I've fished in and around the Himalayas. I've cast a line in Nepal, Kashmir, Tibet, Arunashal Pradesh and India itself, almost always for the Golden Mahseer or close subspecies. There are other targets in these often crystal, glacial rivers, especially where Trout have been stocked, but it's the brutishly-wild Mahseer that really stirs the blood.

http://fly.hardyfishing.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Make no mistake, the Mahseer is eminently catchable on the fly. Perhaps not so much so down in the deeper, slower rivers of the south but up in the north, where the fish are more streamlined, where the waters are quicker and purer, the fly really does work. In fact, to catch a twenty pound Mahseer on the fly is probably just about as big a triumph as you will find in the entire world of sport-fishing. That's what I be-

When it comes to looking at rivers, the list is mind-bogglingly enormous. The three major rivers; the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra all rise near Mount Kailesh and their combined drainage basin is home to six hundred million people! There are scores of names like the Jhelum, the Beas, the Kanali or the Ravi... I think I've fished about thirty in all... but this article can only be a signpost. A signpost is it. I see these periodic travel features of mine as a starter for ten. The places that I'm going to recommend are your first easily accessible adventures in any particular region. There can be no doubt, certainly not in my mind, that THE man in the region that we're now looking at, is none other than Misty Dhillon. I guess several of you reading this piece will already know Misty personally and if anyone of you disagrees with my statement, I'd be utterly amazed. As far as I can see it, you trust Hardy gear. In the same way, I believe you should trust Hardy advice. If you want to fish the Himalayas on the fly for Mahseer, then Misty's company, The Himalayan Outback, is your inevitable first visit on the internet.

http://fly.hardyfishing.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Words don't really put into context the majesty of a trip to Misty's camp on the banks of the west Ramganga. You can write about the beauty and serenity of the camp, the river and the jungle around and you can look at photographs until your eyes droop. It's not until you are actually out there, in the middle of it, savouring the sights and the smells and the sounds that you really know you are in an angler's paradise. There's nowhere like it. And I can say that after fishing in over sixty countries. Even the walk into Misty's camp takes you back to old India as you follow the track through the plantations and the scattered farmers' dwellings. It's perhaps the first sight of the Ramganga that blows you away. It's perfect fly water. You'll see fish in

http://fly.hardyfishing.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Another good reason to kick off with Misty Dhillon is the fact that he is the consummate teacher. If you really want to know how to put big flies out with a minimum of effort, then days spent with Misty will never be bettered. He teaches with complete sensitivity and humility. He's so passionate about what he does that every minute spent by his side is a mini-revelation. I guess over my half century of fishing, I've seen tens of thousands of fine fish caught but my partner, Sarah's twenty pound Mahseer of a couple of years' back just about capped them all. The majesty of the fish, yes. The ferocity of the fight, yes. The exhilaration and ecstasy of all the guys around us, yes. The pristine jungle surroundings and the warm, milky air. All yes, yes, yes! The entire experience melds together into something that, if you're fortunate enough to experience it, you will never forget or come close to bettering.

If you do a bit of Sea Trout fishing, Salmon fishing or saltwater fly fishing, you'll have the gear. Misty can supply the flies. All you've really got to do is to get yourself there. Just look at the photographs that I've taken from my various http://fly.hardyfishing.com trips with Misty. It's a trip that you'll just never regret.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

20th Festival of Beagling in North Cork Anglo Irish Relationships were further enhanced during the early days of Feb 2013 with the coming together of supporters of several U.K. Clubs, local hunting folk and visitors from Canada and the U.S.A. at Blackwater Castle Castletownroche Co Cork. The English Clubs The Old Berkley and Chilmark & Clifton were guests of the local Woodrock and Blackwater Valley Club from Castletownroche. Some very good sport was employed by the large numbers who attended, this combined with some jovial entertainment made for a very good week. Our sincere thanks to the very many landowners over whose lands we hunt freely and without whose good will and co-operation we could not survive also our thanks to the many hostelries who looked after us so decently. Such events generate much good will and enjoyment and contribute some what to our economy Long may our well established sport of Venery Continue and Flourish. Photographs by Colman Howard of Rathcormac Gun Club

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

NI Assembly Passes New Dog Breeding Laws.

The NI Assembly recently passed tough new laws on dog breeding which come into effect on 1st April 2013. The Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 introduces a new licensing regime for anyone breeding, supplying or advertising for sale 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12 month period. New rules on age limits for breeding bitches and the number of litters they are permitted to produce have been introduced. Any applicant for a breeding license will also be required to demonstrate that dogs are kept in suitable accommodation, and that they get suitable diet and exercise to ensure their well being. All registered Hunts are exempt from the terms of the new regulations. Ronan Gorman Director Country Sports Ireland commented, “During the making of these new Regulations we continually made the point that whilst we welcome measures to eradicate puppy farming we believe this must not be at the expense of responsible breeders of working dogs. We successfully lobbied to have the threshold increased from 2 to 3 litters of puppies in any one year and fought hard to retain the exemption for all registered Hunts, which was opposed by a number of groups who were opposed to hunting. We believe that these two factors will keep the great majority of country sports enthusiasts outside the scope of the new Regulations.” Full details of the new regulations can be found using the link: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nidsr/2013/9780337989957/contents

Save Save Save Mortgage Protection-Life Cover– Serious Illness Cover Simply log onto www.lowcostlifecover.ie and get a quote today. Curragrove Financial Services T/A Low Cost Life Cover is regulated by the Central Bank. I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

RABBIT SNARING BY WOODGA The art of rabbit snaring is now gaining popularity once again this form of vermin control can produce some very good catches, there are many benefits over using traps, these include: 1. VERY LIGHT ONE MAN CAN CARRY HUNDREDS AS OPPOSED TO HEAVY TRAPS 2. VERSATILE IN THE POSITIONING AND CAN BE SET VIRTUALLY ANY WHERE 3. LOW VISIBILITY FACTOR MAKING THEM HARDER TO STEAL 4. THEY ARE CHEAP TO MAKE AND REPLACE IF STOLEN OR DAMAGED 5. THEY WORK 24 HOURS OF THE DAY Just a few of the advantages of rabbit snares listed, the three most popular types of rabbit snare I use are the rabbit peg wire a self contained rabbit snare with wire tealer to hold the wire with twine and hard wood pegs attached.

Set the snares early morning up to early after noon to allow the smell of your hands to air off, set the snares directly over the centre of a beat this is where a rabbit places its feet every time it travels the run as it goes out to feed ,the setting height is the all important factor in catching large numbers of rabbits 6.5 inches in pasture fields is a deadly height combined with a bigger 7.5 x5.5 inch noose setting, heights differ depending on the height of the grass your snaring in, good snaring results can be taken like this image on the next page.

http://www.thehuntinglife.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

89 out of 100 peg snares on pasture grass, effective rabbit snaring.

See how well this rabbit has hid after being caught in a snare.

http://www.thehuntinglife.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Rabbit Fence Snares The rabbit fence wire is a six strand snare 22 inches long which ties directly onto a fence line with a half hitch, we do not use gene hairy twine to hold a snare this just rots and is of no use to professional snarement.

http://www.thehuntinglife.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Rabbit Hoop Snaring The final method we use is the hoop snare basically a 2.5mm hi-tensile wire bent into the shape of a loose U shape, I make mine just over 5 feet long and bend the wire into a U shape then attach a snare on to the side of the hoop straddle the run and push the two legs of the hoop into the ground until you get your setting height, this snare works well in light sandy soils where a peg would not hold.

http://www.thehuntinglife.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

A full grown winter rabbit caught in a hoop snare. Rabbit snares are a valued asset to the rabbit catchers' armoury tight wires every one. http://www.thehuntinglife.com

Stevie Munn Director of the Irish Fly Fair & Angling Show tells me that Davie McPhail will be tying this year at the Irish Fly Fair in Galway hotel on the Partridge stand, Its Davie's first time to the show so come to see this great world renowned Fly Dresser .http://www.youtube.com/user/ DavieMcPhail Trade stands at the fair are also selling out fast to book yours email anglingclassics@aol.com . http://www.irishflyfair.com/exhibitors.html

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Some Classic Trout Fly Immortals by Stevie Munn This month I wanted to mention some extremely well known flies that you will find in most anglers fly boxes, not only in Ireland but worldwide. I'm trying not to sound too much like an anorak here but I must confess I have a passion for almost all fishing flies, and I don't care if it sounds strange or even downright weird - I just love looking at flies in fly boxes! Whether they are modern or old, but I should say I really admire and that I am fascinated by the older flies, as several of them are steeped in angling history, many modern fly fishers just don't seem to realise this but personally when I know some of the history and stories behind a fly that I have just landed a fish on it makes the pleasure of the catch even more rewarding. There is something very satisfying about knowing an old fly pattern has worked for many years before you choose to give it a go and that the pattern will continue to fool fish for others many years after you're gone off to fish the great lake in the sky. I like that aspect to our sport and craft, in fact I personally love that our pastime has a credible history that we can research - it's just something else for those of us perhaps strange folk who that like that kind of thing. I'm not saying we should all know where each fly we fish with originated from or what year it was first used and I know perhaps sadly many won't be concerned as long as it works for them, but I also know that there are many of you maybe like myself and are curious about such great fly patterns. We must also remember these flies have been around for a very long time for the simple reality that they have been incredibly successful in fooling fish for 1000's of anglers for generations, so this month I going to mention three real classic Trout dressings that I'm sure a lot of you will be aware of, and for a good reason, they are tremendous fly patterns, so you can fish them with that very necessary ingredient while angling, confidence. The Butcher • Hook: Partridge Wet Fly 8 - 14 • Thread: Black or red • Tail: Red ibis or swan dyed red (duck) • Body: Flat silver tinsel

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I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

• • •

Rib: Oval silver tinsel Wing: Blue mallard, crow wing or magpie tail feather Hackle: Black cock

The Butcher which was originally named 'Moon's Fly' was invented over 170 years ago. It was created by two gentlemen from Tunbridge Wells in England, a Mr. Moon and a Mr. Jewhurst, Moon was a butcher. The colours of the Butcher are supposed to represent the hallmarks of his trade, red blood and a blue apron. The Butcher still catches fish on still waters and on rivers to this day. There a few flies in the Butcher series, including the great, Bloody Butcher, the Irish Butcher and a personal favourite of mine the Kingfisher Butcher. All these attractor patterns work well for Sea Trout and Browns. The Butcher and the Bloody Butcher are fantastic flies to use when fish are feeding on fry with their silver bodies and dark wing they look very fishy, as for the Irish and the kingfisher Butchers I have found these great river flies in when fishing for Migratory fish, like Sea Trout or lough run Browns like Dollaghan, though I know quite a few anglers that tell me the Kingfish Butcher also is a great in peaty lakes for Brown Trout and takes Rainbow Trout on still waters in early spring.

The Peter Ross • • • • • • •

Hook: Partridge Wet Fly 8-14 Thread: black or red Tail: G.P. tippets Body: rear 1/3rd med flat silver tinsel front 2/3rds red seals fur or sub Rib: fine silver wire, full length of body Hackle: black hen, three turn Wing: Teal breast, folded

Mr Peter Ross was a storekeeper and keen angler from Perthshire in Scotland. He first developed his namesake 'The Peter Ross' fly in the 1890's as a variant of the old dressing the Teal and Red. His creation has become, over the years, one of the best known flies in Europe. It is fished on stillwaters or loughs for Trout and Sea Trout normally as a point fly, and are a very useful pattern to try around duck fly time in the

http://fly.hardyfishing.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

spring and again, it also works latter in the year when Trout are feeding on pin fry. In rivers it is also a very successful pattern where it not only works for river trout but also takes migratory species such as Dollaghan, Sea Trout and even Salmon. I know it is an extremely useful pattern for catching Grilse for many anglers however, all this said the Peter Ross is a bit of a perplexing pattern as many anglers I have spoken to over the years don't seem to do well on it, while others which I add includes myself are extremely fortunate on the pattern. My advice is to fish this fly and think to yourself that it will work, transmit positive thoughts down the line - it's a true great.

The Zulu • • • • • • •

Hook: Partridge Wet Fly 8 - 14 Thread: Black or red Tail: Red feather or red wool Rib: silver tinsel Body: Black seal's fur or sub or black wool' Palmered Hackle: black Head Hackle: black (optional)

The Zulu is a very old fly which takes its name after the head-dresses worn by Chief Cetawayo, King of the South African, Zulu nation; he was defeated by the British in 1870. The Zulu is a very effective fly throughout the year. It is particularly successful when fished in a team of flies, positioned on the top dropper or bob fly for Trout and Sea Trout on loughs and stillwaters. I once did well on it on lough Melvin taking some very nice Trout, it can also be a useful pattern on rivers where I'm sure Trout take it as a terrestrial or aquatic beetle and I know some old anglers that tell me they use it when fish are feeding on Corixa. This may not be as strange as it sounds as the silver rib could give the illusion of air trapped around the body. There are many variants of the Zulu, the Blue, Gold and Silver being the most well known of them, the patterns seem to be first used in the northern loughs of Scotland and its isles. The Zulu is reputed to be so effective that it was once banned from competitions. I find it a good pattern to have in your box early or late in the season. Stevie Munn is a Hardy & Greys Instructor. He holds the APGAI qualification in Trout and the top APGAI Ireland qualifications in fly casting and fly dressing. Stevie works full time in the angling sector as a guide, writer and angling instructor. He has appeared in many angling books, DVDs and angling shows all over the world and runs The Irish Fly Fair. He has fished many places in the world and grew up fishing on rivers and loughs of Ireland. He runs teaching lessons in fly fishing and hosts groups all over the world. http://fly.hardyfishing.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

GEORGE DIGWEED SHOOTS A PERFECT GAME IN SOUTH AFRICA

George Digweed got the new clay shooting season off to a perfect start in Africa, wining the South African Grand Prix and the Pan-African Compak Championship. During the Grand Prix George hit 97 of the 100 targets to tie with Mark Marshall of Great Britain and Michele Congialni of South Africa for the lead. George held his nerve in the sudden death final and just pipped his countryman to the post to pick up his first Gold of the season. It was followed a week later by a second gold and a sensational display of shooting prowess in the Pan-African. George won the tournament with a perfect score of 200/200, a feat that few shooters ever achieve and which left George delighted. “I’m over the moon to have got my season off to such a positive start,” he said. “It’s always difficult coming from the game shooting season to competitive shooting, so a good win early on is always a must.” “The sport is in an incredibly healthy position now, with competition right across the field, so to win two tournaments on the bounce, and to win in the Pan-African like I did, is fantastic. The 200/200 is one of the best achievements of my career.” “I’ve competed many times here in Africa, and it’s a place with many happy memories for me. This is another one to add to the collection.” George will next compete in America in April’s World Sporting Championship, where he will continue his bid to add a 21st World title to his trophy cabinet. www.georgedigweed.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

LUKE COCKERILL CROWNED GAME TO EAT STUDENT CHEF OF THE YEAR BY MARTIN PUDDIFER Luke Cockerill: York College student Luke Cockerill is in food heaven after collecting the 2013 Game-to-Eat Student Chef of the Year, a prize which will see him working alongside restaurateur Mark Hix. Luke Cockerill's dish ‘Partridge with Mushrooms & Brassicas’ beat off stiff competition from three other finalists invited to Ealing College, London, by Mark Hix and Shooting Gazette columnist Lee Maycock to prepare their own partridge or pheasant recipe within an hour. David Taylor and Jill Grieve from the Countryside Alliance joined Mark and Lee on the judging panel. Kyle Hadley-Quinn of East Kent College was awarded second place for his 'Moroccan Spiced Partridge', Jacob Sorrell (also of East Kent College) took third with a 'Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pheasant Supreme', while Shane Davies of Gower College, Swansea, was fourth with 'Partridge Two Ways'. Luke Cockerill won £250 of catering vouchers and a week's work experience with Mark Hix. The three runners-up also received catering vouchers. Mark Hix said: “I care passionately about seasonal British food and game is the perfect example of seasonal food at its best. It was great to see these student chefs cooking with game and we have tasted some really delicious dishes. Luke Cockerill was a well-deserved winner and I look forward to welcoming him to my restaurants.” Alexia Robinson of Game-to-Eat said: “We have really enjoyed working with student chefs over the past few months and encouraging them to cook more often with game. The Game-to-Eat campaign has been running for over 11 years with the aim to encourage more people to cook and eat with game.”

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GAME KEEPER CONVICTED FOR TAKING A BUZZARD IN CAGE TRAP CASE BY JOE DIMBLEBY Game keeper convicted for taking a buzzard in cage trap case: The importance of abiding by the terms of the General Licences that govern live cage trapping was highlighted last week when gamekeeper Shaun Allanson pleaded guilty at Scarborough Magistrates Court to intentionally taking a buzzard using a live pigeon in a cage trap last August. The importance of abiding by the terms of the General Licences that govern live cage trapping was highlighted last week when gamekeeper Shaun Allanson pleaded guilty at Scarborough Magistrates Court to intentionally taking a buzzard using a live pigeon in a cage trap last August. Allanson, 37, had set letterbox traps in a pheasant release pen on the Blansby Park Estate, near Pickering, North Yorkshire. The traps and a buzzard eating a freshly killed pigeon were discovered after Natural England officer Justine Clark, who was carrying out a survey on the estate at the time, found them and alerted the police. Allanson was sentenced last week to 120 hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; community service with ÂŁ85 costs.

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I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Tim Ryan, defending solicitor, said that the offences had cost Allanson his job and possibly also his firearms certificate. Mr Ryan told the court: “He very much regrets having committed these offences. He realises how stupid he’s been and the consequences for him, his partner and two children.” The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) immediately suspended Allanson’s membership. A spokesman said: “Incidents like this do incalculable damage to the good name of gamekeeping. If people have serious problems with protected birds, and no nonlethal alternative, they should apply to Natural England for a licence to control them. Breaking the law is not an option. The NGO stands for gamekeeping within the law and will not tolerate illegality.” In related news, wildlife managers in Scotland should be aware that Scottish Natural Heritage has revised Licence 2 of the 2013 General Licences so that jays can no longer be used as decoys in traps for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables and fruit. They can still be used as decoys in traps such as Larsen traps to conserve wild bird populations. Say what you think in the Shooting UK forums!

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

CARNIVORE - FALLOW MEAT HUNT FOR THE TABLE Team Wild's very own master butcher Steve 'Wildy' Wild is out after Fallow deer this week. Follow Steve in his search for the right deer, a nice young buck for the table to be processed in his butcher shop. An early start, on a beautiful morning, but will his buck be around?

http://youtu.be/HU0DAIagc2M

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

SABLE HUNT IN MOZAMBIQUE

In this episode of Apex Predator, Team Wild's Ian Harford is back in Mozambique hunting sable with Gavin Ingram, of Nduna Hunting Safaris, and renowned dangerous game hunter, J.P. Kleinhans. The beautiful and elusive Sable is one of Africa's most highly sought after trophies and the guys set out to find a herd of these striking animals in the thick African bush.

http://youtu.be/MU5C5AVS_FE

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

AIR RIFLE REVIEW: DAYSTATE HUNTSMAN In this week's Team Wild's Air Power, Keith Anderson takes a closer look at his trusty Daystate Huntsman hunting air rifle. Although it's Daystate's entry level precharged pneumatic airgun, the Hunstman has provided years of solid service and delivered hundreds of rabbits, rats and pigeons. Its compact dimensions and rugged build quality make the Huntsman the ideal tool for pest and vermin control. Its classic design and elegant lines also make it a pleasure to shoot.

http://youtu.be/W_Yc7AwmzFE

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

HOW TO CALL WILD TURKEYS IN NASHVILLE & WHAT'S COMING UP... We're at the National Wild Turkey Federation annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. We've seen loads of cool turkey hunting gear and met with the superstars of the turkey hunting world. I'll be heading back this way to hunt spring turkeys and took the opportunity to get some turkey calling tips from the experts - but it didn't quite go according to plan! Check out last weeks videos and what's coming up next week on Tea Wild TV :-)

http://youtu.be/D9MQzpyOB84

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Busy Day at Stormont for Countryside Alliance Ireland Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) had an action packed day on Thursday 28 February meeting with two of the Northern Ireland Assembly Committees at Stormont. Countryside Alliance Ireland's Chief Executive, Lyall Plant, joined forces with David Robinson, Chair of the Gun Trade Guild NI (GTG N.I.) and Tommy Mayne of BASC NI, to discuss a number of important issues which directly affect our members and supporters. A presentation to the Committee for Culture Arts and Leisure took place in the morning and concentrated mainly on the consultation on proposals to vary firearms licensing fees and other miscellaneous amendments to the firearms Northern Ireland Order 2004; however, we also covered the wider aspects of country sports and the benefits they make to the NI economy and environment. In the afternoon, we met with the Committee for Justice, to discuss the consultation on proposals to vary firearms licensing fees and other miscellaneous amendments to the firearms Northern Ireland Order 2004. We put up a strong argument in relation to the proposed increase in firearms licensing fees, highlighting the benefits that shooting makes to the NI economy and the fact that full cost recovery is neither appropriate nor fair. We believe it is inappropriate for the Department of Justice to seek full cost recovery from FAC holders who already pay a licensing fee and also pay for policing and justice in Northern Ireland. The shooting community has long been disappointed with the standard of service currently employed by the PSNI's FEB branch. Therefore full cost recovery is especially inappropriate given that no proper service standards, competency requirements or customer satisfaction measures are in place, or have any sign of being implemented. CAI now looks forward to meeting with the Minister for Justice, David Ford, on 14 March to discuss delays in the firearms licensing system and the firearms dealer's security specification which is currently being implemented by the PSNI's Firearms Inspectorate. In addition, we shall attend a meeting on 19 March with officials from the Department of Justice to discuss the banded system further. We shall keep you updated.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) Preparatory Workshop and Exam We are hosting a Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP) exam on Saturday April 20th 2013 at Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co Tipperary. In advance we are also running a preparatory workshop for our members who are registered to sit the HCAP exam. The workshop will take place on the evening of Tuesday April 16th 2013, also at the same venue and must be booked in advance. To register for the workshop email wilddeerireland@gmail.com or text your details to 087 2496987. *Please note the workshop is open to current WDAI members only. To register for the HCAP exam complete the attached application from and return with the relevant fee to the address stated. The closing date for applications is Friday April 5th 2013. Further details on the HCAP are available at www.deeralliance.ie or email deeralliance@gmail.com

Coach to the CLA Game Fair, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, UK. We are running a coach to this year’s CLA Game Fair in Ragley Hall, Warwickshire which is been held from July 19th – 21st. Our package includes Coach, Ferry, Hotel, Meals, Tickets and transfers. The cost per person is €370. The coach will travel from Cork to Dublin with various collection points en-route, leaving on Friday July 19th and returning on Monday July 22nd. For further details and to book your place email Teresa at teresa.ohea@novartis.com or contact Dominic on 086 8120442. Places are limited so it is advisable to book early! Yours in sport

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

http://www.nosalmonfarmsatsea.com/how-you-can-help/petition/ I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

FISSTA SAY A BIG THANKS TO ALL ANGLERS AT GALWAY RALLY The biggest reward to all who took part in the rally was the international feedback and awareness that is still coming in to our office. The goodwill messages of encouragement from clubs in the UK and EU mainland who realise that if the ten fish farm plan including Galway Bay is forced through their salmon smolts will also be facing wipeout. There is no doubt that the star attraction for all was the attendance of Icelandic salmon conservationist Orri Vigfusson who lifted our spirits on the day. Orri has always supported us whenever we called despite his busy schedule as chairman of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund of which FISSTA is a founding member.

After many months of planning, the date of Saturday March 2nd 2013 will stand out as the day the island of Ireland both north and south shouted STOP to fish farming. The papers and TV reported a figure of "up to 2,000 people" but many locals say it was far more than the recent trade union anti austerity march which also reported 2,000 people on roughly the same route.

Whatever the number, the messages were clear on the waving placards and banners proclaiming â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ireland against salmon cages or Save Galway Bayâ&#x20AC;? with many of the names of Fissta angling clubs and protest groups, marched through Galway city at the weekend.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

The march, which made its way from Eyre Square to the city’s Spanish Arch, was organised in opposition to Bord Iascaigh Mhara plans for a 7million fish capacity salmon farm to be located on a 456 hectare site in Galway Bay about a mile from Inis Oírr.

Addressing the rally at Spanish Arch, Icelandic Chairman of North Atlantic Salmon Fund and wild salmon conservationist Orri Vigfusson said the proposed farm of 15,000 tons could destroy migrating salmon smolts from Ireland the UK and Europe.

SEALICE FROM FARM WILL DAMAGE EU SALMON MIGRATING TO NORTH ATLANTIC

Mr Vigfusson, who has brokered many deals to buy out salmon nets on both sides of the North Atlantic, said the proposed fish farm was not just an Irish issue but a wider EU issue. The Government had a duty to “give salmon smolts safe passage through Irish waters”, he said.

The gathering was chaired by FISSTA's Galway Regional member Billy Smyth, who introduced speakers that included the mayor of Co Galway Thomas Welby, who called for politicians to “get off the fence” on the issue. Other speakers included, Brian Curran of the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers, Derrick Hambleton of An Taisce, Michael Canney of Save Galway Bay, Niall Greene of Salmon Watch Ireland, Enda Conneely of the Aran Islands, Martin Kearney of the National Association of Rod Anglers and Independent TD Noel Grealish TD.

Tommy Casserly vice chairman of Galway Bay Against Salmon Cages asked where the faeces of the salmon were going to go. Mr Casserly said he was part of a group which had restored salmon numbers in tributaries of the river Clare, a tributary of the Corrib.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

SEA CAGES WILL CAUSE WIPEOUT FOR ALL WILD FISH

“Now they want to put a toxic cloud containing seven million caged salmon with all those faeces and chemicals and lice, between the Atlantic and 15,000 wild salmon which come through these waters,” he said.

Later a delegation attempted to hand in a letter of protest to Bord Iascaigh Mhara personnel at a stand at the Skipper Expo in a nearby hotel. However, the delegation once again was confronted with a complete refusal by anyone on the BIM stand to accept safe delivery of the letter to BIM CEO Jason Whooley. Organiser Billy Smyth said it was symptomatic of the authority’s approach, while Mr Vigfusson said he would write an international letter of complaint against the conduct of a state board.

"Today they came from the four corners of Ireland and were supported by FISSTA international angling colleagues from France, Norway, UK, Germany and many other EU countries. Overall, it was a momentous day in our long history of salmon conservation and I thank Galway Bay Against Salmon Cages and to everyone for making the rally such a success" said FISSTA Chairman Paul Lawton.

Sorcha O Meara aged 7 from Carrick on Suir.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

http://www.nosalmonfarmsatsea.com/ I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

TIME TO MOVE FISH FARMS ONTO LAND? FEDERAL REPORT SAYS IT SHOULD BE EXPLORED By Randy Shore RANDY SHORE TRIES TO FIGURE OUT WHICH KIND OF FISH CONTAINS FEWER POLLUTANTS, PESTICIDES AND POISONS Canada should support the development and expansion of closed containment salmon farming and explore transitioning the aquaculture industry away from ocean -based net pens, according to a committee report tabled in the House of Commons Thursday. A high-tech, environmentally friendly land-based industry could be a significant economic driver in rural and first nation communities, according to the report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. But while the report promotes closed containment systems as a technology of the future, it leaves the door open to the continued growth of the existing ocean-based salmon farming industry, dismissing evidence of environmental damage caused by open net-pen fish farms as “inconclusive.” Industry members testified that a forced or legislated transition from ocean-based farming to closed containment systems that are not yet proven to be profitable would be a disaster for the industry in Canada and the 15,000 direct and indirect jobs it already supports. It is “physically impossible” to move 40,000 tonnes of production on to land, according to Ruth Salmon, executive director of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. “The industry would look at operations elsewhere if that were mandated,” she told the committee. The committee heard extensive testimony about the environmental impacts of ocean-based net-pen aquaculture, including sea lice infestation, viral disease, pesticide use and fish waste pollution and their impact on wild salmon stocks, but the report takes no position on the veracity of those claims. The Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform — a consortium of seven environmental organizations including the David Suzuki Foundation, Living Oceans Society and the Georgia Strait Alliance — expressed concern that the report glosses over the potential harmful impacts of net-pen farming. Last fall’s report from Justice Bruce Cohen on the collapse of B.C.’s Fraser River sockeye stated that net-pen farms could inflict “serious or irreversible” harm to wild salmon. “We should take these risks very seriously,” said Karen Wristen of Living Oceans. “There seems to be an underlying presumption in the report that net-pens are not only going to continue, but increase their capacity and number.” http://www.vancouversun.com/

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Ocean-based farms have made huge advances in managing fish health and sea lice, said Mary Ellen Walling, executive director of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association. “Closed containment is trying to fix a problem that may or may not exist,” she said. The extra expenses associated with closed containment systems ensure that landraised Atlantic salmon will remain a premium-priced niche product for the foreseeable future, she said. Virtually all farmed salmon are Atlantic salmon because they grow bigger and are more docile. “Our members understand the opportunities and challenges associated with landbased systems, the salmon we raise spend one third of their lives in closed containment,” she said. Closed containment systems require a huge capital investment, inexpensive land, very cheap energy and fresh water in abundance, which combine to make it unlikely to replace ocean-based salmon aquaculture, she said. Commercial-scale systems for rearing Atlantic salmon to maturity are still in their infancy, but four such facilities are either under construction or just starting production, one in each of Chile, Denmark and the eastern U.S., and the K’udas Project on northern Vancouver Island. The K’udas Project is funded through a combination of government and philanthropic contributions from the charitable foundation Tides Canada, government innovation fund Sustainable Development and Technology Canada (SDTC), the ’Namgis First Nation and others. The project was conceived to develop and prove land-based salmon farming technology as an alternative to ocean-based net-pen farms, according to Tides Canada spokeswoman Catherine Emrick. Emrick is optimistic that the committee’s recommendation that SDTC facilitate further research on sustainable closed containment technology will accelerate the process started by Tides Canada. The first smolts will be transferred into the $7.5-million K’udas facility on the ’Namgis First Nation near Port McNeill this month, according to project spokeswoman Jackie Hildering. “We are at the point where we can prove that this can be done,” she said. “We will let the salmon speak.” The first cohort of Atlantic salmon will take 12 to 15 months to grow to maturity, roughly half the time required in net-pens. Expanding the ‘Namgis facility to achieve production of 2,500 tonnes a year will cost another $22 million, bringing the total cost to $30 million, compared with a Fisheries and Oceans estimate of about $5 million to outfit a net-pen operation. But closed containment systems can achieve higher growth rates, more efficient use of feed and protection from disease and bad weather, reducing business risk, Hildering said. http://www.vancouversun.com/

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

“The report clearly acknowledges the potential of closed containment to reduce environmental impacts, business risk and improve socio-economic outcomes,” said Hildering. “The recommendations, while cautious, do steer the industry toward closed containment.” Experimental closed containment systems produce Atlantic salmon with superior flavour and texture that will fetch a higher price in the marketplace, according to research done by local seafood wholesaler Albion Fisheries. Potential off flavours are controlled by taking the fish off their feed and placing them in fresh water before harvesting, a technique pioneered by American researchers at the Freshwater Institute, an adviser to the ’Namgis salmon farm. Commercially raised coho grown in inland fresh water tanks in Washington State sell at a premium to wild fish in Overwaitea stores and carry a Monterey Bay Aquarium sustainability certification as well as a recommendation from Greenpeace. The report recommends: • The federal government establish a university-based centre for excellence to maintain Canada’s technological advantage in the industry and expand use of such systems. • The government encourage economic growth through the development of aquaculture operations, including closed containment technologies. • The government encourage public and private financial support to develop and commercialize closed containment technologies or other innovative aquaculture technologies. rshore@vancouversun.com

http://youtu.be/7LqCv62k_zA

http://www.vancouversun.com/

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

TWO SQUIRREL WITH ONE SHOT - DAYSTATE WOLVERINE .303 In this short clip we witness the amazing power of the Daystate Wolverine when used to control grey squirrel while protecting our native Red Squirrel. Please support the Red Squirrel Group here - http://www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk...

http://youtu.be/sEvEiGAC87A

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

AIRGUN RABBIT HUNTING - DAYSTATE WOLVERINE .303

In this short episode we take a look at just how powerful the Wolverine .303 from Daystate is when used against rabbit. There are clips of live pest control so please do not view if this is likely to upset you (pussy!!!)

http://youtu.be/KqjGXPKCaPA

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

THE RAT WORKS R-10 HYBRID

In this episode we take a look at The Rat Works R-10 Hybrid. Lisa's first rifle needed to be as accurate as everything I shoot and fit her properly so that she can keep up with me provided she does her bit. This rifle does all of the above.

http://youtu.be/C7L0YS8_nW4

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

THE GOLDEN OLIVE MAY fLY by Lawerence Finnery

This pattern was developed 2 years ago for when I was fishing Lough Sheelin, the original version incorporated a red cock hackle and the introduction of the red cdc came about last year when experimenting on patterns for the Irish team. I had previously used cdc for some of my bumbles and wet fly patterns which were successful and I decided to carry out further trials using cdc as an under hackle. One such pattern was the Mo's may which was extremely good when used on Erne by one of my fellow fly dressing instructors. This pattern was designed purposely for when Mays were hatching as with the red cdc it represented the haemoglobin evident when the fly was emerging. Not only did the cdc blend in well with the materials it has two further added benefits, the fly when pulled through the water caused the cdc to trap air underneath creating that tell tale bubble trail which got the curiosity of the fish and also if fish were rising the pattern could be cast out and left to float on the surface in front of feeding fish. The range of colours of cdc available enables the budding fly dresser to mess around with these and come up with a multitude of variations and another one of my patterns incorporated yellow and red cdc which when tied in together produces a fantastic mixed colour that produces a halo effect on the fly. This year my workshops have been based on tying quite a few flies using cdc as hackling and also for wings on river dry flies as well as may flies and even nymphs, as this material is marvellous for creating movement in a fly pattern. We are at the moment working on Salmon patterns using cdc and hope to create and field test these in late June. The body of the may is Charlie hair a blend of 6 different colours of natural hair from blonde to dark brown and when this is bleached and dyed the colour shall we say olive comes out 6 different shades, from sooty olive to light olive and has to be seen to appreciate the effect it has when applied for a body, that is why my good friend and fellow fly dresser Mike Harding uses it a lot in his Irish fly patterns. The majority of my may fly patterns now have tails dyed dark claret as I find that claret used especially on peaty waters show up far batter than any other colour bar those dyed in picric which I now do not use due to the hazard associated with working with this dangerous chemical.

www.finneysflies.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

However there are other techniques of dyeing that can produce the same effect and colour of picric which I may get into in a future article. Other patterns such as the fiery brown and mallard and claret work well when cdc is introduced as a hackle. and one of my favourite early season patterns the duck fly has red cdc and black cdc wound in as a small hackle and produces a fantast fly that can be fished wet as well as dry. People tend to think of cdc as for dry fly fishing only, but across the globe it is often used on nymphs and wet flies with great results. hopefully I will be covering these in a future article. My workshops will be starting in earnest hopefully in April once the studio has been re built and these patterns will be part of the on going workshops which run all year round. The beauty of these work shops is that we video the students enabling me to show the students faults in their techniques and enables me to assist in correcting these and the student also gets his own unique fly tying DVD at the end of the course. Give this pattern a go you will have hours of fun creating your own designs as it is all about creativeness. Any one wishing to get help or tips on fly tying techniques are more than welcome to contact me as I believe in sharing my ideas and knowledge. RECIPE The recipe for this pattern is: HOOK- Kamasan B175 no 10 SILK- Veevus 16/0 brown TAIL- claret cock pheasant BODY-golden olive Charlie hair RIB- gold utc wire UNDER HACKLE- red cdc FRONT HACKLE- Golden olive French partridge

http://thejodea.com/ ww

This year will see our coaching and guiding course being carried out across Ireland. These courses are to OCN (OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK ) standards and will be available to those wishing to obtain a qualification in guiding and coaching. These courses will be delivered by four of Ireland's top fly dressing and casting instructors. Those interested can contact me to get dates of when these courses run.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

http://youtu.be/zOufP5cXy5o

Save Save Save Mortgage Protection-Life Coverâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Serious Illness Cover Simply log onto www.lowcostlifecover.ie and get a quote today. Curragrove Financial Services T/A Low Cost Life Cover is regulated by the Central Bank. I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

www.finneysflies.com I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Start of 2013

Well the picture above sums up the start of the year for me, bad weather, river levels high at first, then they were great but I could not get to the river because of the snow!!!!! Snow melt meant I was able to drive however when it gets into the river system it destroys the fishing for a few days!! Boy is this weather ever going to give fishermen a break.

So no fishing for a bit so what else could I do. First Bearleft and I had to wrap up some projects that we had outstanding from last year.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

My house was turned into a TV studio and we finished all the fly tying and some teck clips we had to do for the New Era Fly rod range from Daiwa. If you have a chance go and have a cast with these rods available soon at your nearest Daiwa dealer, you will be amazed by their performance.

Well I finally got out on the river and was joined by Norri and Darren from Daiwa for a fishing day on the Dee in North Wales. Weather was ok but the river was a little high but fish-able in the back eddies and slack water. Above is Nori catching his first ever welsh Grayling. Not to be out done Darren latter on tried out the Daiwa Tenkara rod that he had sent over from Japan and by the smile on his face he was quite happy with its performance.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

A nice fish on the 4 meter tenkara rod! After a few days fishing it was time to pack and do our annual trip to Angling Ireland Expo in Dublin. This year Daiwa had a big stand to support all their Irish dealers and we had a stand tagged onto the end of that.

The Morgan girls manning the stand just before the show opened. In previous years the show had been accused of having too much for the game angler and not enough for the other disciplines. This time Mara Media had made sure that every aspect of fishing was covered. The seminar was packed with Sea- Game and Coarse fishing talks. New names at this years show were Bob Nudd MBE, Henny Gillby and Mike Thrussell all of whom proved very popular. Jim Clohessy and Marry Gavin Hughes's talks were again very well supported.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

On the casting pool we had Peter O Rilley, Glend Powell, Stevy Munn and Tom Dock from the House of Hardy. Oh yea we did our bit as well with Yasmin and Tanya impressing everybody with the standard to their casting. I did a bait casting demo for the first time in years and when there is a hoop on the water it does put a lot of pressure on you but even if I say it myself I was very accurate!!!! The one stand that always impresses me is Dublin Angling Initiative who run quizzes, questionnaires and a load of other stuff for the kids to enjoy. Once again a great show and big thank you to everybody who came and watched the demos and came to have a chat.

Well after coming home it was time for the Ospreys AGM which was a great excuse for a few of us to spend a few days up in Llangollen fishing the river Dee. Look closely at the pic above as this fish would not stay still at all for a pic. We had a great few days and Paul will be doing a little video with some of the highlights of the trip. Have a look at www.troutwatch.com as the clips will be posted there.

Ok its time to pack again as I am getting ready for my spring trip up North for the Glasgow Open Weekend which keeps getting better and better every year. If you are coming please come and say high. We will have the full range of New Era rods for you to try out.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Ballyhass Lakes is located near Mallow, County Cork. It is Ireland's best known still spring water trout fishery, with 11 four star holiday homes and an activity centre for groups, schools and corporate team building. Fish: The fishery has two separate lakes. The main lake is 12 acres of spring water some 35 feet deep and is reserved for fly fishing only. It can be fished by boat or from prepared fishing stands on the bank. On lower lake, worm spinning and bubble and fly methods are permitted and extensive safe fishing stands surround the lake. In general we strongly support a catch and release policy. On a Day ticket an angler can keep two fish up to 3lbs weight. All adult fish and all brown Trout are on a catch and release basis only. Once the bag limit has been taken the angler can continue to fish on a catch and release basis for the remainder of the period. The fishing lodge has an extensive tackle shop for fly and bait, and rod hire. The fishery is open 09.00 to dusk 364 day per year. Tuition on fly fishing is available. Salmon Beats: The Cork Blackwater runs just four miles from Ballyhass Lakes. We have available beats on a private stretch of double and single bank in the upper reaches of the river. Many of the beats are set well back from any roads and give a variety of good fly and spinning waters. State Licence can be purchased at the Pavilion. We stock a supply for Salmon flies and baits. A ghillie can be provided with prior notice. Rest: There are 11 Holiday homes on the 36 acres site at Ballyhass. The houses have either 3 or four bedrooms and are exceptionally well appointed with wooden floors throughout and natural fireplaces and natural wood furniture. All houses have a decking area leading on to landscaped lawns. They are available for rent for periods of 2 days or more. Play: The activity centre at Ballyhass makes full use of the natural environs with kayaking, raft building and trout fishing on the spring clean water, rock climbing and abseiling on the limestone rock faces, and specially constructed low ropes courses, archery and team building games on the lawns. Our resident instructors plan the activities to suit each group be they family outings, school groups, or corporate team building.

Cecilstown, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland Tel:+353 (0)22 27773 Email: info@ballyhasslakes.ie

URBAN ANGLING? YES WE CAN! SAY NAVAN COARSE ANGLING CLUB

Shay Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell reports that Navan Coarse Angling Club (NCAC) have formed a partnership with Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) (Boyne Branch) with a view to restoring the Navan end of the Boyne Navigation as a general amenity and as a coarse fishery. A licence was granted to IWAI from Parks & Wildlife to clear a 700 meter stretch of the canal. This was done on two cleanup days (16th & 23rd of Feb) by NCAC & IWAI. Discussions with all the relevant parties includng IFI are ongoing as to the next phase of the development. There is alot of momentum locally for this project and we are determined to make it a sucess. Due to the fact that the cutting season ends today it is unlikely that there will be much more work completed before October 2013. If anyone would be interested in volunteering or indeed joining Navan Coarse Angling Club please contact Shay Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell (or any committee member). Shay can be contacted at 087 9582537 or by email shayod100@gmail.com Membership forms are available at East Coast Angling, Anglers World and Clarkes Sports Den, Navan.

IWAI and NCAC Volunteers Removing Debris from the Boyne Canal at Navan Recently

A Section of the Newly Cleared Boyne Canal at Navan

Another Cleared Section of the Boyne Canal at the Ramparts in Navan

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

http://fishinginireland.info

A CRACKING 18LB COALFISH IN KINSALE FOR DR KAMRAN Mike Dennehy of Kinsale Charters sends us a great picture of Dr Kamran Shah with his specimen coalfish which was caught on a soft plastic lure aboard the Silver Dawn last Sunday Feb 24th. The fish weighed 18lb and fought well on light tackle. Mike was fishing out of the port of Kinsale.

Michael Dennehy Silver Dawn Kinsale, Co. Cork. Tel: 087 2425685 http://www.kinsalecharters.com/

Dr Kamran Shah with his specimen coalfish

http://fishinginireland.info

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

TYING THE MELANISTIC PHEASANT TAIL NYMPH BY DAVIE MCPHAIL

http://youtu.be/T-IPLfx4g5c

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

TYING THE MCPHAIL MAYFLY (WETFLY) BY DAVIE MCPHAIL

http://youtu.be/251KPSmMixk

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

We've got birds, birds and bird dogs this week. Roy Lupton is on a driven shoot in Hampshire. We're so used to see him shooting foxes and deer, can he handle a shotgun on birds too? And when a disabled clay shooter said he wanted to go on a driven pheasant day, we stepped up to the mark (with the help of JCB) and got him the shoot transport he needs. And it's the start of our new gundog training series with Skinners' Petfoods. Learn how to improve your dog from the comfort of your armchair with a full glass beside you. Just watch Fieldsports Britain.

DRIVEN PHEASANT SHOOTING + GUNDOG TRAINING

http://youtu.be/Od-H8SwGcU8

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

We've got two kinds of foxshooting this week. First up, twenty times world champion shooter George Digweed has got a wild boar problem on his shoot in Sussex. He is out to get them - and uncovers an even bigger fox problem. The there is Roy Lupton, reinvented this week as The Human Leaf. Just how close can he call a fox? And we have our regulars: gundog training with Ricky Moloney and Skinners Petfoods, News Stump and Hunting YouTube. It's hard to get through the week without Fieldsports Britain.

SHOOTING FOXES

http://youtu.be/aCIYN0oD02U

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

It's not just night vision. Roy Lupton and his friends have found a way of turning night into day. As a result they see a lot more wildlife action than they ever have before, and a lot more foxes to shoot, too. Meanwhile, we're at the Shooting Show with George Digweed and Andy Crow. And David Taylor visits Peter Wilson and his family at home in Dorset, find out about winning gold at the London2012 Olympics, about shooting the new Holland & Holland Sporter and we even take time to watch the South Dorset Hunt going past.

CAT VS FOX - NIGHT VISION IN ACTION

http://youtu.be/waCLrswRX60

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

We are launching eagles on hares in Lincolnshire, George Digweed on wild boar in Sussex and we are out with the Banwen Miners foxhounds pack in the Valleys of South Wales. It's a packed programme this week, with incredible footage of hares' tactics when faced with Roy Lupton and friends' flying eagles. Meanwhile, George Digweed has been after a wild boar for months, and finally has his chance. And who says foxhunting is snooty when men come up from the coal pits, shower, change into hunting pink and ride out with hounds? Nicky Sadler tells the story of a pack that celebrates its fiftieth season this year. Then there are our regulars: News Stump, Kit Special, Hunting YouTube and our gundog training series with Skinners Petfoods. It's another packed programme.

HARE VS EAGLE + BRITISH WILD BOAR + WELSH MINERS HUNTING

http://youtu.be/4wG7asef9RA

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

* We're out with ferrets, lurcher and Shooting Times's Simon Whitehead in Norfolk after rabbits * The legendary Roy Lupton teams up with Captain Camo himself, Mark Gilchrist, to go foxshooting in Kent * Ricky Moloney is our Skinners gundog training expert, with his tip about how to show displeasure to a dog + We have News Stump with David, Kit Special and Hunting YouTube. Pour yourself a glass, sit back and enjoy this week's show.

RABBITING WITH FERRETS AND LURCHERS, FOXSHOOTING AND GUNDOGS

http://youtu.be/UtcIPFK1jH4

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

World Champion Speycaster, STANIC, AAPGAI, Advanced Double Handed Fly Casting Instructor, Ian Gordon is also known by many as being an authority on Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing in Scotland. His Company – Spey online, provides a complete resource for all connected with Salmon Fishing home and abroad as well as Double Handed Spey Rods in General.

THE SPEY! HAS IT AN EQUAL? The beginning of the 2013 season, although not bursting with fresh salmon, never the less has proved very busy for me with fishing customers already enjoying our Scottish rivers. My season got kicked off with a group of six from Munich enjoying a nice week of casting and fishing tuition in the wonderful Tulchan here on the Spey, a fantastic place, with fantastic ghillies, facilities and staff, which collectively, make this one of the top salmon fishing destinations in Europe at this time. As I said to Thomas, the team leader, “If you don’t enjoy fishing here, you should take up golf”! This first week finished with six extremely happy customers; the decision to attend the opening ceremony and fish the first week proving to be the perfect one as when it comes to learning about fly fishing, there is no substitute for the real thing. All learned a great deal about fishing for salmon with sinking lines as well as reading the river. This, along with an education about the culture of salmon fishing in Scotland from both the Tulchan ghillies and myself made for a memorable stay on Speyside. The comfort of those fishing huts here only added to the whole experience, with team leader, Thomas, head chef in the Hilton Munich, making much use of the cooking and dining facilities offered in the luxury fishing hut and turning out a wonderful meal for everyone on the Friday evening. Yip, there’s a lot more to salmon fishing than catching fish! Mind you, the group were not without those either; all in all a great week for all concerned. One of the most interesting comments from the group was from writer and journalist, Marcus Ruoff, who, after a couple of trips to Iceland thought salmon fishing was not for him, however, one week with us on the Spey changed that resulting in a new found interest in salmon and double handed rods. The second week of the season was also a sinking line course at Tulchan, this time the week was split in two, the first half with a local group, the second again from abroad. The results were much the same as the first week with those attending enjoying what was described by two attendees as their best fishing experience, having fished only in Alaska, amazed at the strength of the Atlantic salmon! Yes, whilst

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I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

most of us take the wonderful fishing and culture for granted, those who have never experienced what we have are completely blown away by the “real deal” which is salmon fishing in Scotland. This fishing ticks all the boxes, add some good tuition, ghillies stories, good food, one or two fish, and, importantly at this time, comfortable facilities, and, like I said, there is nothing and nowhere better than what we have on our own doorstep! Here at Speyonline the whole team takes pride in understanding and focusing on the bigger picture, working hard as a team, as much as we can, to ensure the expectations of our customers are met, something which, given everything we have here on Speyside, is fairly easy; the vital ingredient to the recipe ensuring success however, is passion! Something I learned from my ex employers, Sir David and Martin Wills of Knockando, both of whom not only held a strong passion for the river, but also, and importantly, for the wider community; true visionaries who could always see much more than merely a fish on the end of a line and tuned totally into the bigger picture! Why do we visit the river spey? Well, like the salmon itself, the answer to this could be very simple, to catch a fish. Or, it may be much more complicated - To spend quality time with friends, to put you fishing theory to test, to unscramble your busy head, to be at one with nature, to enjoy casting over beautiful salmon pools, or simply sit with a drink or cigarette and listen to the river. Maybe it’s a combination of all of those but one thing for sure is, here on the Spey for 30 weeks of every year we can provide for the personal requirements of everyone who wishes to visit providing a service impossible to achieve elsewhere.

About me I begun fly-fishing aged 8 and have spent the majority of my life as a ghillie or guide on Scottish Rivers such as the Spey, Dee, Tweed, Findhorn and Deveron. As well as having a passion for Salmo Salar, Scotland and Scottish Rivers are in my blood. I am the fourth generation Salmon Fishermen with my family’s interest in the River Spey dating back to the mid 1800s. My inquisitive nature and interest in Physics, in particular The Physics of Fly-Casting, led me to take a great interest rod and line design. It also saw me take a very different approach to the teaching of Flycasting, realising different techniques were needed to those presently taught. Success in winning numerous competitions and knowing I have nothing more to prove has made me comfortable in sharing my knowledge with all. It gives me enormous satisfaction to see so many others benefiting from this knowledge. I am currently involved with and am very proud of my role as principle salmon consultant with Hardy

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I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Fishing in British Columbia, Canada Exclusive Escorted Salmon Fishing Trips to Canada BC with Qualified Game Angling Instructor Stevie Munn & Gordon MacLeod Scottish Spey caster and guide. British Columbia, Canada, has some of the most phenomenal and exciting sport fishing opportunities the world has to offer. Every year the salmon runs, number in the 10's of millions. The sturgeon fishing is world class, and if that's not enough, they also have a fantastic steelhead and trout fishing. Simply speaking, British Columbia and it rivers produce an awesome year-round fishery that's tough to beat. Combine this great fishery with spectacular scenery wildlife and tips and help from a qualified Hardy Academy Instructor, and you have the opportunity to experience the trip of a lifetime! Fishing in British Columbia, Canada is nothing short of world class. Whether you are a die-hard or an occasional fisherman, we will spoil you with excellent fishing.

Sturgeon & Salmon - British Columbia - Fraser River The mighty Fraser River constitutes the back-bone of one of the world’s great salmonyielding systems, comprising countless tributaries that have been spawning sites since time unknown. Amid breathtaking scenic beauty you’ll find yourself fishing the region’s local rivers - the Fraser, the Chilliwack, the Vedder, the Harrison and the Chehalis - for Chinook, chum, Coho, pink (running every other year, including 2011) and sockeye salmon plus steelhead, trout and the massive sturgeon (the latter being catch/tag and release only).

HALF

ALL

FISH

CAUGHT IN THE NORTH SEA ARE THROWN BACKOVERBOARD DEAD http://www.fishfight.net

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

There are few places left where you can genuinely be surrounded by superb fishing and stunning scenery. The legendary Fraser River system, which to this day remains un-dammed throughout its 850 mile course, ranks as one of the world’s last great salmon producing rivers and still has no rival in its migratory salmon runs. There is no doubt about it sturgeon of all sizes are exciting - most adversaries leap upon feeling cold steel and 60-180lb. specimens are everyday catches on the Fraser and Harrison Rivers. Normal Itinerary This Year we are offering a deluxe trip with all meals but dinner. 5 days guided fishing with Jet boats, 1 day walk and wade fishing, 8 night’s accommodations, 10 day trip, Airport Transfers. Lunches for your fishing days, Return flights from UK/Ireland Accommodation Breakfast at hotel. 5 x 8hr day jet boat guided fishing Shuttle to and from fishing Rest day or fish the Vedder River Any tuition needed. Most people like to bring their own gear but tackle can be hired We like groups that are not massive 6-8 is a nice number though we can do bigger groups, sometimes others do very big groups but we like to provide good service. Advantages Fully qualified instructor, Local knowledge of the area and river. Discount on all tackle for your trip bought at www.anglingclassics.co.uk Fly-fishing guides on all boats Meeting like minded anglers Breakfast at hotel. & Lunches for your fishing days, most trips don’t do this and charge. Best Hotel in Area. HAVING A GOOD TIME. Your angling adventures can also include • Improve on your fly casting techniques • Double Hand Traditional Spey and Skagit casting techniques • Single Hand Casting techniques • Tackle talk, the basics required • Learn how to tie fly leaders and attach flies • Importance of fly selection Top Salmon fishing & Sturgeon fishing Top Class Salmon Fishing With Top Class Guides, Hosted By Top Class Instructors. The fishing is spectacular. The thunderous roar of the mighty rivers fills your ears, as you gaze up towards the sky you are greeted with breathtaking mountain views and towering formations of chiselled rock. Known as! The Great Outdoors! Located just 1 hour east of Vancouver offering visitors a liberating and exhilarating experience. Stevie Munn is a proud member of the Hardy Greys Academy, and APGAI- Ireland which comprise of instructors, who actively promote the best instruction service for anglers wanting to improve their technique. Stevie has been teaching game angling for many years and is devoted to fly angling at its best. Testimonial: "I can't say enough. You gave me the best fishing trip I have ever had. I can't thank you enough." Robert Hayes We use Registered Top Canadian Guides in compliance with Canadian Law Email anglingclassics@aol.com

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

About Mike and POSITIVE SHOOTING Hi and welcome to www.POSITIVESHOOTING.com. I'm Mike Yardley and I've been shooting and studying it for over 40 years - ouch! I love the sport be it with shotguns, rifles, pistols, or airguns. I'm delighted you've found this website and I really hope you find it useful. The goal is to get as many people into the sport as possible and to get them shooting as well as possible - maximising all their potential. Thank you for your support. Safe shooting. Michael Yardley was born in Denmark and educated in England, Switzerland and the US. He has a psychology degree from London University, conducted post-graduate research into direct action and terrorism at the LSE, and is also a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Mike Yardley Michael is well known as a sporting journalist, shooting instructor, and hunter and has written and broadcast extensively on all aspects of guns and their use. His articles (2000+) have appeared in many journals as well as in the national press. He has appeared as an expert witness in cases which relate to firearms and firearms safety. He is a founding fellow of the Association of Professional Shooting Instructors, and has formal instructing qualifications from a variety of other bodies including the British CPSA, BFSS, NRA and NSRA. Michael began competitive shooting with 11th County of London HG Btn. Rifle Club. He won ‘Colours’ for shooting as a member of the shotgun and pistol teams of the Royal Military Academy Sandhust (being a member of the winning GB IMAGE match team in 1980). He has been a special advisor to the Police Federation, and others, civil and military. He has shot for sport for more than 40 years and hunted birds and larger game on four continents (making more than twenty safaris to Africa hunting both dangerous and plains game). He is a multiple county clay pigeon shooting champion, British Side by Side Champion 2004, and, has won hundreds of ‘High Guns’ in open competition with his faithful Beretta 303 semi-automatic and Lyalvale (Express) cartridges. He is listed one of The Field’s ‘Top Shots.’ He retired from the press competition at the CLA Game Fair after winning it three times. As well as his shooting activities he has written books on other subjects including an account of the independent Polish trade union Solidarity, a biography of T.E.Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), and a history of the Royal Military Academy Sanhurst itself. He is a contributing author and ‘Special Researcher’ to the Oxford History of the British Army (in which he wrote the concluding chapter and essays on the army in Northern Ireland and the SAS). He is also a frequent broadcaster and has made and presented documentaries for the BBC on ‘The Media and the Monarchy,’ ‘Kill one: frighten Ten Thousand (a History of Terrorism),’ and philosophical doubt. He has also been involved as a specialist ballistic consultant, and presenter, in many productions for various TV companies including the Discovery and History Channels. He has re-enacted on location worldwide the death of the Red Baron, the Trojan Horse incident from ancient history, and some of the most infamous assassinations, including those of JFK, RFK and Abe Lincoln. Michael has worked a photojournalist and war reporter in Syria, Lebanon, Albania/Kosovo, Africa, and Afghanistan. He was seized off the street in Beirut in 1982 (before Terry Waite and John McCarthy) but released shortly afterwards having befriended one of his captors. In 1986 he made 3 clandestine crossings into Afghanistan with the Mujahedin putting his cameras aside and working as a medic on one mission with a group called NIIFA. In the late 1990s, he ran aid convoys to Kosovan Refugees in Albania and on the Albanian/Kosovo border. The charity he co-founded, ‘Just Help,’ was honoured for this work which took 300 tons of relief to desperately needy people. I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Mike Yardley's Favourite Guns

I am often asked what are my favourite guns, with the launch of the new website, I thought I might consolidate some thoughts on this subject as I know many of you are interested. At the budget end of the market, I like the new silver actioned Rottweils, especially in 30” 20 bore form. A 30” 20 is often a route to good shooting gun at moderate cost. I am also very impressed by the new 12 bore Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 in both sporter and game configurations – a lot of gun for the money. The new Browning 525 12 bore with lighter, back-bored barrels, and Invector Plus chokes is one heck of good buy too (as is the latest Miroku MK70). The shooting qualities of the 525 have been transformed by relatively simple modifications – the Sporter is a brilliant gun in particular. It is no secret that I am a Guerini fan and their new Round Action gun is a corker in both 12 and 20 bore 30” form. I also like the Maxum and Essex models because they not only look good and offer excellent value for money, but because they shoot so well too. My unusual preference for game shooting is the 32" 20 bore. The high rib Guerini clay guns are also a good choice for those who shoot with one eye because they increase target visibility for those who must close an eye or have the vision to it blocked as they pull trigger. As we move up the market scale, I also like the William Evans St. James which is based on the Guerini barrelled action with special London style engraving and finish). The Blaser F3 professional is the best Blaser yet. I am a particular fan of the

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

KM4 Mark II (with narrowed rear). In 32” form with a barrel weight of about 1550 it is arguably the best sporter in the world (the Titanium version costs an arm and a leg but is truly wonderful to shoot). Perazzi continue to produce beautifully made guns of consistent quality with good trigger pulls – my favourites are still the leaf spring guns with detachable triggers. The Purdey Sporter based on a generic Perazzi style action by ex Perazzi men Perugini and Vissini. It is another winner in both 30 and 32” firm. I shot one the other day – a 32” model – and loved the handling characteristics for such a Long Tom. I have shot outstanding 30” versions of the gun as well. At the very top end of the market, what we might call the lottery guns, one is spoilt for choice. My first purchase would be a Holland & Holland Royal side by side in 12 bore. The Royal over under in 20 bore is another magnificent creation. I have also

And, as we go into the realms of fantasy, I have never shot a side by side better than the Purdey Hammer gun (though I would say that the new H&H Round Action gun is as good from a shooting point of view, equally unusual with its distinct action bar and back-action locks reminiscent of a Dominion, and not quite as expensive). I am also very fond of the side by side guns coming out of Westley Richards factory at the moment. They are beautifully detailed, well regulated, and hence shoot superbly. The Fabbri over and under has the distinction of being even more expensive than a Purdey, but it is a triumph of high-tech engineering. There is an option of a titanium action, and the barrels are made of diamond powder coated stainless steel fused by laser to create a single piece of metal. No successful ‘entrepreneur’ should be without one. Going from the sublime, to the practical, I have not mentioned semi-autos yet. I am a great promoter (and keen user) of these guns as some visitors to this site will already know. The Browning Maxus, a gas-operated gun, offers really excellent value for money and low recoil. The 391s, again gas operated, are still my favourite modern Beretta repeaters (in both synthetic and wooden stocked form). I also like the Fabarm XLR5 which I consider under-rated at present. The Benelli Vinci is an extraordinary piece of design, but my favourite Benellis – which operate on an inertia system – are the Crio Comfortech guns and the brilliant little 28 bore – I can think of few guns which be more fun in a pigeon hide or for use in an informal round of clays. My favourite semi is still my old 32" Beretta 303 though! www.positiveshooting.com Michael Yardly

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Swinging Wet Flies or Nymphs on Streams and Small Rivers This is one of my favourite forms of fly fishing, especially on streams or small rivers. When â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;traditionalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dry fly or nymphing is just not getting the job done, swinging a wet fly or nymph through likely water often gets results. Fishing 'on the swing' is simplicity itself. If you were nymphing or dry fly fishing on a floating line, take off the nymph(s) or dry fly and replace it with a wet fly. You can use two or more flies, where permitted, but my strong preference is to use only one - simplicity is the name of the game. Cast across the stream and let the fly swing back across the stream till it is below you. Repeat as necessary, while moving downstream a step or two every few casts. If the fly is not sinking enough as it swings, it is sometimes necessary to cast a little upstream and throw in a little up-stream mend to allow the fly to sink before it begins to swing. If the fly is sinking too deep on the swing, cast slightly downstream, and if necessary, toss in a downstream mend. It is important for both the upstream and downstream, that you try to get the mend in before the fly begins to swing. A 'reach mend' will usually do the job. Sometimes, casting a wet fly upstream and fishing it like a nymph is appropriate, (more later). Fly depth is important. We need to remember that this method is not streamer-fly fishing. As a wide generalization, streamer-flies are big, bold and brassy - designed to be fished right on or near the bottom. They tend to imitate baitfish, but also come in a range of gaudy colours not repeatable in nature. Wet flies work best in the water column from about two feet deep to just under the surface. (Again, this is a generalization.) Fly patterns for swingers. When using this method we are most often attempting to persuade the trout that the fly is an insect swimming or drifting up from the bottom of the stream to the surface where it will change into its winged dry-fly form. Flies in this stage of their life-cycle are called 'Emergers'. Emergers, along with nymphs which live on the bottom, form the vast bulk of food for trout - dry flies are the smallest part of trout food intake.

http://www.bishfish.co.nz/

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Because of the way they feed on Emergers, it is often possible to believe that because you have had no success with nymphing or dry-fly fishing there are no trout in the stretch of water you are fishing. But trout are happily feeding away in mid-water, and you are fishing over or under them. Wee Wets.

Originating in Scotland, hence the description "wee" meaning small or tiny, wee wets are designed to imitate or strongly approximate insects emerging. These flies are the most traditional of all wet flies - but they still account for many trout. Flymphs.

'Flymph' is a name 'invented' to describe a nymph tied with a soft hackle. The movement of the soft hackle may imitate an Emerger's legs or wings. Many fly tiers now dispense with the soft hackle and use thin rubber legs to give the fly 'natural' movement. Flymphs can also be tied with the hackles curved forward, as for Tenkara flies, (see next paragraph). Spider and Tenkara flies.

Spider flies are, like wee wet flies, very old patterns, but originating in the north of England. The name ‘Spider’ is not because the pattern is designed to imitate a spider in the water, but describe it when dry and out of the water. Good Spiders are tied very sparsely, and the long hackles are designed to imitate the legs of a nymph breaking out as the Emerger heads for the surface. Despite the anorexic look of these flies they have been and continue to be very effect

Tenkara is a fishing method originated in Japan many hundreds of years ago. Amongst the Tenkara flies are some where the hackle is tied so that the hackle curves forward, not back, as found on the vast majority of ‘western’ flies. http://www.bishfish.co.nz/

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

This method of tying in the hackle seems to me to provide for much more animation as the fly moves in the water. I now tie all my hackled wet flies, including nymphs, with the hackle curved forward. Butchered and drowned Dry Flies. If you are caught with no wet flies about your person, good substitutes can be made by attacking some of your dry flies. Hack the wings off, or leave a stub of the wing, and use like any wet fly. Or soak a dry fly in leader-sink and again fish it like any wet fly. Sometimes ‘drowning’ a terrestrial fly like a hopper, beetle, moth or cicada will do the trick. This can be especially effective when you know, or suspect, that trout are feeding on small Emergers. Like putting a big steak on a table surrounded by plates of little nibbles. Alternative wet fly fishing methods, without the swing. Fishing a wet fly upstream, like fishing a nymph, can be very effective, especially with Flymphs, Spider and Tenkara flies. If directly upstream is 12 o’clock, then cast upstream to about 1 or 2 o’clock or so, and strip in line as the fly drifts back. The aim is to get yourself into a position where you can control the drift of the fly with the minimum length of line on the water. As the fly starts to pass you lift the rod tip and ‘lift’ the fly up to the surface – this can provoke savage strikes. A wet fly tied off the bend of a dry fly which is fished as you would a dry fly, can be a lethal combination. In fact these days I rarely fish a dry fly on its own, as the wet fly under the dry is usually the one that gets hit. An after thought on where to use wet flies. While I have indicated that wets are mostly suited to streams or small rivers, some of our bigger 'braided' rivers in effect produce a series of 'streams' as the rivers flow and wind down through the shingle beds. Wet flies can be very productive when fished in these individual 'streams'.

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

RIVER BARROW NAVIGATION SYSTEM BUSY WITH ANGLERS The river Barrow system recently played host to anglers from all over the country both pleasure and match fishing. Chairman of the Carlow Angling Club Gerry McStraw visited the anglers on the Athy road and commented that it was great to see so many anglers on the river system. Two sections of the canal were in use on the day, the lower section just up from Levitstown played host to visiting anglers from the newly formed Naas anglers having a club day out. The section just above the Grotto was used by visiting anglers from Enfield, Edenderry and other clubs for their competition. The chosen and favoured method on the day was the long pole which some anglers from Naas used to have cracking results; other methods included waggler and stick float fishing. Several double figure bags were reported with Hybrid Roach/Bream over 2Lb, Dace, Perch and nice sized Roach being caught. All present on the day wished to thank the Athy and District Anglers for providing the venue and the Naas Anglers for the superb day out which included refreshments and lunch. Carlow Angling Club have now opened their membership for the year and plan many events for the coming year which will include Coarse angling, Trout angling, Sea angling, Pike fishing days out, programmes and B.B.Q's amongst other things. The local club have now affiliated to the Irish Angling Development Alliance (I.A.D.A.) If you would like any information regarding the river Barrow or indeed the Carlow Angling Club please do not hesitate to contact Gerry McStraw on 085 2844566 or e-mail gerrymcstraw@yahoo.ie The club regularly update the Carlow cac Facebook page and will add anyone interested in angling.

Anglers from Naas Anglers line the banks

Mr Paul McLaughlin with a fine Barrow Roach

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Catch of the week 06/02/13

DANISH PASTRY FOR BIG PIKE IN WEST CORK

Ross Macklin of Lee Reservoirs Angling Services was out on a day with Fly Fish Ireland and pike legend Alastair Rawlings, fishing a West Cork Lake. Conditions were tough with gusty and changing winds. Mike Quirke made a good call to fish a nice looking corner of the lake. Ross notice a change in the depth as his fly began catching weed. The anglers were about to shift position but he held back to cover a small patch of water so he could cast near the plateau. Without warning, his rod collapsed under a weight of a massive pike that nailed his fly; a brightly coloured Danish Pastry fished on a Hi-D line.

Ross had no scales and though the pike remained unweighed, it was still without doubt the biggest he has yet caught. Well done to Ross the winner of our Catch of the Week

This huge pike was full of spawn and very thick across the back - a new Personal Best for Ross! After a few photos she was carefully released and swam away to fight another day. Make a booking Lee Reservoirs Angling Services have started a new angling guiding service for pike, ferox trout and any coarse fish of your choice on the Lee Reservoirs. Boats will be available for rental on previously untouched water as no boat rental has been available to the public before now. Be sure to visit their new website www.leeangling.com for a range of guided angling options in the Lee Sytem that will commence this March.

http://www.fishinginireland.info

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Catch of the week 12/02/13

BIG PIKE ON THE MOVE AGAIN IN LOUGH ROWAN

Greg and Aaron Carr were out on Lough Rowan in Co. Leitrim last week. The pair had an enjoyable day that was topped off by Gregâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capture of a super 24lb 13oz pike.

Greg Carr with his 'Catch of the Week' 24lb 13oz pike (picture courtesy of Aaron Carr)

We have not had many reports from Lough Rowan since it had a great run of big fish earlier in January. Lough Rowan has proved to be a great venue over the years and there are some fantastic pike to be had there. Make a booking Rinn-Shannon & District Angling Club www.rinnshannon.com

http://www.fishinginireland.info

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Catch of the week 21/02/13 21LB TROUT ON LOUGH CORRIB Tomi Kurman and Jacek Gorny (aka the Corrib Predatore Team) have been guiding anglers on Corrib for a few years now, specialising in ferox trout and pike fishing, and their guests have taken many specimen fish in that time. Jacek himself, however, had an opening day to remember last week, when he caught his own personal best trout from Corrib, a magnificent ferox of 93cm, that weighed 21lbs. The fish was photographed before being carefully released again. Well done Jecek! For information on guided fishing with the guys, check www.fishingireland.pl

http://www.fishinginireland.info

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Catch of the week 28/02/13 A FINE 20LB SALMON FROM LOUGH CURRANE

All the head lines go to Mr. Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan of Waterville boats and @ watervilleboats@gmail.com and for good reason while Michael was manipulating in the trolling department, his trolling rod went off like a rocket with a 20 lbs Salmon on the end of the line, and Michael was in for one hell of battle with my Noble Salmon and I can tell you it took Michael 1 hour to conquer the old Gentlemen, and I can tell you once the Paparazzi got their photos, Michael headed straight to the Lobster Bar and the rest is history. Wind NE light to calm and overcast.

Vincent Appleby Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel West,, Co. Kerry. Telephone: +353 (0)66 9475248 E-mail: salmonandseatrout@eircom.net Web: www.salmonandseatrout.com http://www.fishinginireland.info

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

PREPARING A WOOD PIGEON FOR THE TABLE PART 1 After doing my gut it, clean it and cook it video on rabbits i have been asked a lot if i would do a similar video for wood pigeon so here it is. This was filmed back in Aug 2012 when i was still out decoying over the barley stubble's and I've only got round to uploading it now.

http://youtu.be/9wITZktkTy0

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

NITESITE NEW LITHIUM BATTERY, ANTI-RECOIL MOUNT & ANTI-GLARE FILTERS While i was at the 2013 British Shoot Show i managed to get a hold of the New Lithium Battery for the NS200 & NS50 which is a lot smaller and lighter than the original lead acid battery provided with the units. I also have for review the New Stock Pouch for the Battery, the Anti-Recoil Mount & Anti-Glare Filters for the LCD screen. The Battery and Stock Pouch should be available in April while the Anti-Recoil Mount & Anti-Glare Filters are available Now. For More Info on these products or the NS200 & NS50 from NiteSite please click on the link below. http://www.nitesite.co.uk/

http://youtu.be/a42_ObeG9hI

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Get your copy of Hunters Vermin ‘Air Rifle Control in Northern Ireland’ today. A perfect gift for any air rifle shooter. Call Blaze Publishing on 0044 (0) 1926339808 Cost £14.99. Or on line at http://www.virtualnewsagent.com/corvid-chaos/

I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

MAYOR OF BANDON SUPPORTS OPPOSITION OF LOCAL ANGLERS TO FISH FARMING Fianna Fáil Mayor of Bandon, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, has pledged her full support for anglers on the Bandon River in their opposition to the proposed fish farm in Galway Bay. Cllr Coughlan said that scientific research suggests that fish faming has a negative impact, not only on native Salmon and Trout but also on shellfish and wildlife populations. “The environmental and economic impacts of a fish farm on the Bandon River Valley are of huge concern to me. Every year, hundreds of anglers visit this renowned salmon course. Any diminution in stocks would have a devastating knock-on effect for local hotels, shops and restaurants, not to mention the impact on local recreational anglers,” Cllr Coughlan said. “Salmon farms increase the population of sea lice to dangerous levels making them a death sentence for any passing native juvenile fish. There are also very real concerns of pollution to the sea bed and mass escapes of farmed salmon that would damage the native gene pool.” Cllr Coughlan has called on Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food, Simon Coveney, not to grant the license for this proposed ‘Mega’ fish farm in Galway, which under the proposals, would have the eventual capacity to produce 30,000 tonnes of farmed salmon. “Any future fish farm developments should be land- based, closed containment systems which have been proven to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. “I am calling on the Minister to protect our inland waters and coastal environment and not to leave a legacy of depleted rivers and contaminated seas,” Cllr Coughlan concluded.

http://www.nosalmonfarmsatsea.com/ I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

www.burrenretreats.com Corofin, County Clare Enjoy a personalised mini-break in exceptional accommodation, overlooking The Burren National Park & the picturesque fishing village of Corofin with access to Lough Inchiquin, Ballycullinan Lake & Atedaun Lake

Explore the Burren with on one of our guided walking tours, then soak in our outdoor hot-tub & Spa with views of the magnificent Mullagh Mor. Prices start from â&#x201A;Ź35 pp Bed & Breakfast

www.burrenretreats.com Call Burren Retreats today +353 (65) 6827749 I Shoot and Fish Magazine March 2013

Want to see your story and pictures in our e-zine email to info@ishootandfish.ie or call Anthony on 087-6690796

IRELAND'S PREMIER SALMON FISHING LODGE STAY IN A SPECIALISED FISHING LODGE DEDICATED TO SALMON ANGLING. FISH FOR WILD ATLANTIC SALMON IN THE HEART OF THE SOUTH OF IRELAND ON EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE BEATS ON THE WORLD-RENOWNED CORK BLACKWATER, IRELAND'S MOST PROLIFIC SALMON RIVER.

http://www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net