Phonecall last evening from Barry Brill Athlone enquiring about fishing in Shannonbridge. Barry and Joan are regular weekender visitors during the summer when Barry fishes for coarse fish but in the winter he concentrates on pike. Last weekend he fished Shannonharbour and had a lovely 17 pounder at the point where the River Brosna joins the canal. Recommended that he try along the first half mile at the River Suck mouth as Dublin Pike Anglers caught three pike over 20 pounds there two years ago just after Christmas. Gerry Casey has plans to go fishing with his Tipperary friend John. The good thing isthat all fish are returned alive to the water.
Saw a remark about keepnet use recently where they recommend using a keepnet to allow fish to calm down for an hour after being captured. I see some sense in this but none in the general custom of keeping fish in a keepnet for up to ten hours and then weighing them and taking a photograph and releasing them into the water. During the spawning time this is even a more horrible habit.
See where Shannon Fishery Board are planning an advertising campaign in Britait and if you want to be included you should contact them now.
Good to hear that Eamon Mc Manus attented their meeting and voiced the fact that the area around Shannonbridge has been more or less ignored as regards facilities and access for anglers. Anyone who has used the stiles and footpaths erectd years ago will agree and sometime if you are in Banagher or Portumna have a look at the bankside access and facilities.