#ANGLING - The Irish Specimen Fish Committee's annual report for 2011 features catch details for 587 specimen fish as well as four new records, according to The Irish Times.

The report comes ahead of the committee's annual awards event at the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin on Saturday 3 March, recogising those anglers who work hard to catch and record the biggest fish of each of Ireland's species.

Those in line for awards include Terry Jackson, who caught a 2.1kh roach/rudd hybrid in the River Lagan; Dutchman Jan Vrieswijk who landed a 1.33kh blackmouth dogfish in Red Bay, Co Antrim; and Noel Lane for his 2.83kg thin-lipped mullet from Cork Harbour.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

A new guide service is now available for anyone wishing to sample bass and saltwater fly fishing on Ireland's south coast.

World Sea Fishing reports on Cork Harbour-based Richie Ryan, a specialist fly fishing guide who pilots the first boat fully licenced for saltwater fly fishing in Ireland.

Aboard the Sea Hawk, Ryan will impart his expert knowledge in catching bass, sea trout, mullet, pollack, mackerel and garfish, among others, in the waters of Cork Harbour.

According to World Sea Fishing's Mike Thrussell, guides such as Ryan "will become an essential part in sustaining the future of Irish bass fishing and their conservation".

For further details call 021 481 1103 (mobile 086 194 0744), e-mail i[email protected] or visit www.corkbass.com.