Ireland on the Fly

We’re back for another year, another season and more interviews and conversations in 2024, and to kick things off we’re joined on this week’s episode by Shane Gallagher of the Drowes Fishery where the season traditionally starts on January 1st.Shane has all the latest from the opening few days, including news of the first salmon of the season from the Leannan River which was a fresh fish off Watts Pool caught by local angler James Kenny on a pink Flying C.  The salmon was measured at 69cm and estimated to weigh 8lbs.

Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   Plus you can sign up for our newsletter on IrelandontheFly.com and get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

It’s only a few days to Christmas and if you’re looking back on the year that was or looking ahead to the season to come, we’ve put together a special second volume of our Most Memorable Fish on the Fly series.Sit back, listen and enjoy as some of our guests from the past year bring us on a journey across lakes, rivers and oceans to tell us the story of the fish that means so much to them…..Our thanks to all of our guests for joining us on the show throughout the year, and to you our listeners who listen, follow and get in touch.Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and join us again in 2024 when we’ll be bringing you more guests, more interviews, more insights and maybe even a road trip or two along the way if we’re lucky…..

Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

If you're a fan of fly fishing writing and magazines then you've most likely heard of The Drake - an American quarterly that's been running for 25 years featuring some of the best writers covering the why rather than the how of fly fishing.It's got a unique voice run by its founder, publisher and editor, Tom Bie, who is also a regular visitor to these shores, sampling the brown trout and salmon fishing to be had.Soon after Tom visited Ireland earlier this year, we caught up with him to get his impressions of the fishing and how some of it compares to the waters he fishes in the States.....plus of course, we had to ask him about Drake mag and its 25 years of success……Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

We hear plenty of stories of sea trout on the west coast of Ireland, but what about sea trout in the salt on the east coast where the fish are bigger, and if recent catches are anything to go by, fish numbers are improving as well?

Mick McShane is a well known fly angler from Dundalk who will throw a fly at pretty much anything that swims, but he has a special grá for the sea trout around Carlingford Lough and he joins us on this week’s episode to explain the rise in popularity of fly fishing for sea trout in the salt – inspired in no small part by the Danes.

Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

As we head into December and are stuck in winter – although fear not, the opening of the Drowes is only a few weeks away – you’re also probably stuck at the vice dreaming of the fly to tie to catch your first salmon of the season in 2024.

So, for this week’s episode we wanted to concentrate on salmon flies and fly tying and we’re joined by Anthony McCann from Belfast who, although only taking up salmon fly tying four years ago is already an accomplished salmon fly tier appearing at fairs in Ireland and the UK.

His flies are catching salmon on rivers in Ireland and abroad and he joins us to tell us how he developed his fly tying skills so quickly and why his flies are doing so well.

Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

You might remember we covered the FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championships back in September with daily updates from Ireland team captain, Dec Conlon, and one of the star Irish performers from the tournament was a young angler by the name of Sean Dempsey.Sean joins us on this week’s show and having fished three Worlds already in his 20s, he gives us some real insights into the elite level of fly fishing, and what he’s learned from the leading countries such as France, Spain and the Czechs.Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

*** Fulling Mill CompetitionIf you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection.  From Dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question:‘What country were the 2023 World Fly Fishing Championships held in?’Email your answer to [email protected] and we will announce the winner on next week’s show.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

If you’re not into rugby, stick with us as we do also cover fly fishing on this week’s episode with Mike Cosgrave, the former coach and centre for Connacht who is also a passionate fly angler and who fished Corrib and Mask as a kid growing up.While he still fishes the Western Loughs, Mike’s other great love is Montana.  He has fished the fly fishing spiritual home of America over a dozen times and has some incredible stories about hiking into the wilderness, catching trout to 10lbs and even fishing the famous Blackfoot river from A River Runs Through It.Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:

You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.***Fulling Mill CompetitionIf you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. Anyone wanting to see them in person and handle them could do well to get along to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh, of which Fulling Mill is one of the sponsors. Held over the weekend of 18th, 19th November they can not only see these materials being put to masterful use by the likes of Jackie Mahon, but they can stock up from Fulling Mill dealers, like Rodgers Tackle, who will be laden with new stock. From dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. This week’s top mover is their New Eco Warrior Dub – be sure to check it out.So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question:‘How many times did Mike Cosgrave touch the ball when playing rugby against the All Blacks?’Email your answer to [email protected] and we will announce the winner on next week’s show.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

Last year we covered the impact of salmon farming on the famous Loch Maree in Scotland, but what about its impact on the wild salmon and sea trout here in Ireland and just why is the government looking to help the industry develop further in the face of its damaging ecological effects?For this week’s episode we’re joined by John Murphy from Salmon Watch Ireland, to tell us more about the work the organisation does as well as some recent cases they have been fighting.Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:

   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.***Fulling Mill CompetitionIf you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. Anyone wanting to see them in person and handle them could do well to get along to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen Co, of which Fulling Mill is one of the sponsors. Held over the weekend of 18th, 19th November they can not only see these materials being put to masterful use by the likes of Jackie Mahon, but they can stock up from Fulling Mill dealers, like Rodgers Tackle, who will be laden with new stock. From Dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. This week’s top mover is their New Eco Warrior Dub – be sure to check it out.So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answering the following question:‘Which county is holding this year’s Irish Fly Fair’?Email your answer to [email protected] and we will announce the winner on next week’s show.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

We’ve all seen the pictures of far flung fly fishing destinations with anglers holding huge fish and a guide beside them looking just as happy to have seen such a monster fish landed, and I’m sure you’ve probably thought, now that’s a job I wouldn’t mind doing.Working, living and fishing in some of the most incredible fly fishing destinations in the world, how could you not love it?But what’s it really like?  Beyond the Instagram pictures of giant fish and smiling guests, it’s also a nomadic life cut off from society for most of the year and certainly not a life for everyone.Matthew Solon is a Clare man who has followed this path guiding on the Ponoi, in Patagonia, the Seychelles and Iceland and he joins us on this week’s show with some tall tales and insights into the guiding life.Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:

   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly. ***Fulling Mill CompetitionIf you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you…. Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week. With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection. Anyone wanting to see them in person and handle them could do well to get along to the Irish Fly Fair in Enniskillen Co, proudly sponsored by Fulling Mill. Held over the weekend of 18th, 19th November they can not only see these materials being put to masterful use by the likes of Jackie Mahon, but they can stock up from Fulling Mill dealers, like Rodgers Tackle, who will be laden with new stock. From Dozens of exciting new dubbings, chenilles, yarns & wools, to perfectly prepared and packaged marabou, zonkers, deer belly and Bucktail – the range is going down a storm. This week’s top mover is their New Eco Warrior Dub – be sure to check it out.So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answering the following question:‘Which hotel will play host to this year’s Irish Fly fair?’Email your answer to [email protected] and we will announce the winner on next week’s show

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com

For those of you kicking your fly tying season into gear over the coming weeks and months we’ve a special guest on this week’s show.

Davie McPhail, the legendary Scottish fly tier, joins us to discuss his career in fly fishing, how he got started in fly tying, his huge online following via YouTube, and he gives us some tips and advice for improving your fly tying…..

Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   You can also get regular updates on Instagram.com/IrelandontheFly.

 *** Fulling Mill Competition

 

If you’re a fly tyer or want to get into fly tying then this is for you….

Ireland on the Fly have teamed up with Fulling Mill to give away a box of fly tying materials – with free shipping – to one lucky listener each week.

With more than 1,400 products to choose from, each perfectly packed by hand, their new range of fly tying materials warrants closer inspection.

The selection of dubbing materials is comprehensive to cover whatever you want to dress, from tiny dries to Saltwater Streamers, it is all there and some great UV mixes as well.

From the individually preened marabou feathers to the top-secret treatment applied to their NEW Ultra Dry Yarn, the whole range is packed with stand out new products, all generously served up for your benefit in a neat array of colours and sizes.

From Zonkers to CDC, Bucktail to Deer Belly, they’ve done a fantastic job, just be sure to check it out for yourselves.

So, to be in with a chance of winning the £50 worth of materials, just answer the following question:

How many subscribers does Davie McPhail have on his YouTube channel?

Email your answer to [email protected] and we’ll announce the winner on next week’s show.

Click here for Ts&Cs.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com