NEWS FOR "JUNE 2004"
FROM THE IRISH FEDERATION OF PIKE ANGLING CLUBS

Zebra Mussels - A Timely Reminder

Most anglers will have some knowledge of zebra mussels. In particular, anglers fishing in the River Shannon and Erne waterways may have had their line frayed on occasion or may have accidentally dragged up a bunch of mussels on their hooks. Due to the capture of mussels on a recent pike angling outing on the Erne River near Belturbet, it was considered timely to remark on this relatively new addition to the Irish freshwater ecosystem and remind anglers of the problems posed and what steps we can take to at least slow down the spread of the mussel.

A native of the Caspian and Black seas, the zebra mussel was first recorded in lower Lough Derg in 1997, but is thought to have been in Ireland from around 1994. The mussel is characterised by its stripey shell and normally grows to between 15 to 35mm in length. Mussels can colonise any hard surface such as stones, rocks, piers, pipes and boats and are said to reproduce when water temperatures reach 15oC, which in Ireland is generally between June and September. Colonies of mussels can number over 100,000 per square metre thereby causing serious ecological changes to a water body.

What damage do they cause?
These changes include the colonising of fish spawning areas, the possible extinction of the native freshwater swan mussel, and the filtering out of phytoplankton from the water, which is the basis of the food source for trout, roach and other freshwater fish at various life stages. Large colonies of mussels can also have serious consequences for public and private water extraction services due to the colonisation of extraction pipes thereby incurring heavy costs for repair and maintenance. From an angler's viewpoint, the greatest threat is likely seen as the impact on fish stocks such as population reduction and eating habit changes. Regarding population reduction due to zebra mussels, a report released in July 2003 by the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland warned that due to major ecological changes the roach populations had decreased in Lough Erne. The range of the mussel in Southern Ireland is constantly expanding, raising similar concerns for fish populations on the Shannon system.

The only upside at face value of zebra mussels would appear to be the resulting increased water clarity of lakes containing large colonies. Zebra mussels are capable of filtering and removing phosphorus nutrients from 1litre of water per day, which has lead to clearer water. However, clear dissolved nutrients are left in the water body, so while the water may be clear it is far from clean. It has been considered in scientific reports produced on zebra mussels that it is a "simplistic view" to associate the resulting clear water with water quality improvement. In addition, as part of the filtering process the mussels then excrete the phosphorus as waste on the lakebed thereby possibly leading to a change in fish behaviour and the eating habits of for example predominately bottom feeding fish, such as bream.

How are they spread?
The spread of zebra mussels has taken place by a number of means on the Shannon-Erne waterways. Boats such as hired cruisers, barges, canal boats and angling boats frequently traverse the systems thereby aiding the movement of zebra mussels and in particular, larvae during the summer months. The larvae can be attached to weed, boats or engines or can be contained in the bilge water. Angling boats moored for long periods during the summer can become particularly badly fouled with zebra mussels. When boats are then moved to other waters, the risk of transferring mussels to these new waters is increased. In addition, even if boats are removed from the water, mussels can still live for several weeks out of water. Other means of transferring larvae is in the use of coarse angling keepnets, again where weed or larvae alone can be transferred. One step further is in the use of fyke-nets in legal and possibly illegal eel fishing activities. Large nets, which can incorporate possibly 50 or more individual nets, may have the potential for significant indiscriminate transfer on zebra mussels onto new waters.

Along with the River Shannon and River Erne, a growing number of lakes have been reported over the last year or two as having populations of zebra mussels. These include, Kilglas Lough, Lough Boderg, Lough Forbes, Cornadoe Lough, Lough Bofin, Kilinure Lake, Garadice Lough, Derrycasson Lough, and Assaroe Reservoir. Lough Derravaragh has been reported in 2002 to have a population and Lough Sheelin more recently. Zebra mussels were also found in Ballinasloe harbour on the River Suck and in areas of the Grand and Royal Canals.

What anglers can do!
· Allow boats to dry out for several days before moving (Could take 4 days to 4 weeks for mussels to die, depending on weather).
· Remove all bilge water and engine cooling system water and wash with hot water preferably if possible.
· When moving boats without allowing adequate drying time, thoroughly power wash the boat, trailer and engine to remove all matter, weed etc. (particularly if moored for long periods).
· Wash all anchor ropes, landing nets, keep nets etc. with hot water.

As anglers, it is important that we do all we can to prevent the further spread of zebra mussels.


JUNIOR ANGLERS - IT'S SUMMERTIME!

As we are approaching the end of the school year and the summer holidays, we will now see an influx of young enthusiastic junior anglers heading for their favourite lake or river. Many will be chancing their arm at some pike fishing so it is important they approach it correctly to ensure they enjoy themselves and are also able to safely release the spoils of their efforts.

Using the correct fishing tackle is very important for pike fishing and a number of items are listed below:
· Strong 10foot or 12foot rod for bait fishing or a strong 8foot spinning rod for lures.
· Strong reel filled with 12lb or 15lb breaking strain line.
· 28lb minimum breaking strain wire traces at least 18 inches long.
· A pair of unhooking forceps at least 8 inches long.
· A tightly fitting unhooking glove (Rubber gardening glove).
· Banksticks and rod rests for static fishing.
· Drop off indicators and audible bite alarms for static fishing.
· Terminal tackle - floats, float stoppers, Arlesley bombs, shot weights, beads, scissors
· Large landing net.
· Large unhooking mat.
· Good clothing (Waders or wellies and rain trousers and coat and hat)
· Sun Block
· Some bandages and antiseptic cream in case of cuts.

It might seem like a lot to carry but using the proper tackle, bite indication and unhooking tools are the key to ensuring any pike caught will be able to go safely and quickly back to the water. During the summer, pike fight very hard and will be tired. It is therefore important to hold the fish by the tail until it is ready to swim away by itself. Of course, having the correct tackle is one thing, knowing how to use it is another. This is where parents and senior pike anglers need to be involved. At present the Federation runs an all-Ireland junior pike angling championship. This is the perfect opportunity for seniors to give juniors the support and help they need. Another way is for clubs to run tuition days consisting of an on the bank talk with handouts to go through the different tackle set ups, followed by a fish-in with constant guidance given by parents and club seniors. A number of affiliated clubs organise and run successful tuition days every year. This is strongly commended by the committee of the Federation and it is hoped to encourage a National approach to junior pike education and development among affiliated clubs.


CULLED PIKE CONFISCATED IN DUBLIN FISH MARKET

At the beginning of last month a tip off alerted the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board that pike were being sold in the Moore Street fish market in Dublin. Officers from the Board found a trader with 6 pike for sale. Five of the pike were confiscated, as a person is entitled to be in possession of only one pike. Later, the wholesale fish market was visited where 3 boxes of dead pike were confiscated. The Eastern Board are said to be carrying out an investigation.

This is a serious incident from the perspective of pike anglers and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board must be commended for promptly intervening in this matter. The Irish pike resource is already under numerous pressures but an illegal incident encouraging the sale of pike for food in Southern Ireland is an issue that needs to be fully investigated. At present, thoughts on the source of the dead pike point to a pike killing competition held on Lough Corrib prior to the dead pike being confiscated in Dublin. The Western Regional Fisheries Board apparently sanctioned the competition. Serious questions need to be asked about the circumstances surrounding all aspects of this incident including a number of subsequent cases concerning the possible unauthorised possession of dead pike. We hope to have further information on this, next month.


AFFILIATED CLUBS - QUESTIONAIRRE

We would like to remind clubs to send any new club contact details to David Hamill, Public Relations Officer on the information sheet that was sent to club Secretary's in the April Newsletter. We would also be interested to hear of any upcoming events, which can be advertised on our website www.angling-in-ireland.com. In addition, if there are any issues or concerns that the Executive Committee may be able to advise or help with, please send them to Paul Hamill, who has recently accepted the post of Hon. Secretary. The Executive committee would also like to welcome Padraig O'Flynn to the committee. Padraig was co-opted onto the committee and will hold the position of Assistant Secretary for the coming year.


ILLEGAL REMOVAL OF COARSE FISH

It has come to the attention of the Executive committee that illegal longlining and other methods for coarse fish and pike removal are on the increase. Reports are coming more regular from North Monaghan where large groups of people are being seen using small inflatable boats to set lines. Some lakes affected are Lough Major and Bairds Shore in the Ballybay area. The committee asks that anglers immediately contact the relevant Fisheries Board when an incident is seen. If anglers cannot contact the Boards, then immediately ring John Chambers, Chairman on 086 6057306 or David Hamill, PRO on 086 8193678. Immediate reporting is crucial in order to tackle this growing problem. Full details of the phone numbers for fishery boards can be found on our website.


MAVER ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR PIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

Kiltimagh Angling Club ran the second qualifier on the 18th April. Ten anglers took part. Brian Mc Entee qualified for the U13 final in September.

The results of the two May qualifiers will be given next month. The next qualifier will be held in Newbridge, Co. Kildare on 11th July. For further details on the junior championship, contact Youth Officer Finbar Meehan on 086 0711137.


KINGSPAN NATIONAL PIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2004-05

The first Qualifying heat of the 2004/05 Kingspan National Pike Championship was held on a six-mile stretch of the River Barrow downstream of Athy. A total of 88 anglers entered the competition on a day, which saw anglers baking on the riverbank in the blazing sunshine. Only 39 pike were landed and returned, the biggest of which was 15lb 8oz. Many thanks to Mr. Michael Harris, proprietor of the Three Counties Bar who laid on huge quantities of sausages and sandwiches.

The five anglers who qualified to fish in the Final are;
1st. Terry Sheridan (North Longford) 1 pike 15-08
2nd. Phelim Jennings (Newry) 1 pike 12-00
3rd. Michael Walsh (Durrow) 2 pike 11-04
4th. Pat Gorman (Tullamore) 4 pike 8-11
5th. Tom Conlon (Newbridge) 2 pike 5-11

The second heat was held on Gulladoo Lake, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim. A total of 65 anglers fished the event. Over 130 fish were caught and released in excellent fishing conditions. Enda Boylan of The Goal Post Bar and Lounge, Arvagh Town, provided refreshments. He also donated a bottle of Whiskey for the raffle. We thank Enda and his staff for their hospitality. The best fish caught on the day, fell to the rod of Michael McKenna from Keady, with a fish of 12lb 3oz.

The results are as follows:
1st. Frank Leonard (Dom's) 6 pike 20.00
2nd. Joe Coleman (Duleek) 7 pike 17.04
3rd. Eddie Keogh (Kildare/Athy) 7 pike 16.14
4th. Michael McKenna (Keady) 3 pike 16.04
5th. Gerry Keenan (Ardee) 6 pike 16.03

The results of the third heat, which was held on Garty Lough in Arvagh, Co. Cavan, on the 30th of May will be reported on next month.

The next qualifier will be held on Lough Egish, Co. Monaghan on the 4th July as there is no qualifier in June. For further details on the Kingspan National Pike Championship, contact Ibar Condron on 087 2488648.


June 2004

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