Emer Gallagher
CASTLEBAR man Phil Beirne must have been wearing his lucky shamrock when he landed the first Moy salmon of the 2008 season on St Patrick’s Day.
Mr Beirne was fishing on the East Mayo Anglers’ Association water when he landed a hefty 9lbs fresh-run salmon using a Blue Devon spinner.
The following day the second salmon of the season was also caught on the east Mayo water by Mr Seamus Cummins from Bohola, fishing the fly.
On Wednesday morning last, March 20, the third salmon of the season was landed by Ballina man Martin Conroy using a worm. Martin has regularly taken the first fish of the season in previous years.
The North Western Regional Fisheries Board say that the catches indicate that salmon are now starting to lie in their traditional spots, making for an increasingly good outlook for angling prospects on the Moy. As in previous years, the Board is offering free fishing on the Ridgepool, in Ballina, up until the first salmon is caught.
Further information on angling in Ireland’s northwestern region can be found on www.northwestfisheries.ie.
