CREEPY CRAWLEY CHINESE MITTEN CRABS  MAY REACH OUR WATERS....

Here we go another Alien Invader heading for out lakes & rivers, yes last week I received a call from Andy Daly  Mullingar. Andy had just being listening to an English radio news channel, when he heard that Chinese Mitten crabs were discovered in the river Thames in England. This was very worrying news as we already have the Zebra Mussels which are really hitting the headlines at the moment in the Angling World. I told Andy I would check out this story and try and get some info on Mitten crab. Well here you go and Andy was spot on. First recorded in the River Thames in the 1930s, scientists believe the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) arrived in Britain as tiny larvae in ballast water in ships from the Far East. Native to China and Korea, the species took a long time to become established, possibly because of the river's polluted state. Since the early 1990s, however, numbers have mushroomed. The crab, which can travel over dry land, has now spread to many other English rivers .We also discovered that the Mitten Crab is one of the most Invasive species in the world. It can reach incredible numbers in a very short sudden population explosion. It can travel 500 kilometers in its four year lifespan. It got its name from the dense patch of dark hair on some of the crab claws. The female Mitten Crab is a delicacy in China and is especially prized for the Aphrodisiac qualities (What ever gets you going I suppose). The crab lives most of its life in freshwater but breeds in salt-water. It has caused considerate damage to pumping stations where they have clogged intake pipes. Also anglers have complained about how adept it is at stealing bait. Certainly bad news for dead-baiting anglers. Anyway if we get any more info on this interesting subject we will let you know.

WESTMEATH STUDENT NEEDS ANGLERS HELP....

Recently I had a meeting with UCD student Sorcha O'Brien from Ballymahon Road, Athlone. Sorcha is carrying out a Zebra Mussel Control Initiative Survey and is looking for some help on gathering info on her chosen subject. When completed the survey will help her with completion of a Masters in world Heritage & Management with University Collage Dublin and Unesco Paris. At present Sorcha is targeting Angling clubs who have their A.G.M. coming up. If you feel like helping out Sorcha with her survey she would be delighted to hear from you. The 6th March is deadline for Surveys. You can complete this survey ONLINE if you prefer

RECREATIONAL ANGLING HANDBOOK LAUNCHED....

The Recreational Angling Ireland Handbook, which was developed by none other than Paddy Byrne, Director and Honorary Secretary of Recreational Angling Ireland has being launched. Paddy is no stranger to the Midlands and has attended many a meeting & angling competition here on our Midland lakes. Pat the "Cope" Gallagher TD launched the handbook and was delighted to have the honour we are told. The handbook itself is a must for angling clubs as it deals with the day to day running of clubs. It covers a number of key issues including, Membership, The committee, Finance and Funding, Enjoyment & Access, Competitions, catch & release, and Insurance. These are just a few pointers to head you in the right direction, if you would like a free copy of the RAI Handbook give Paddy Byrne a ring 045-433068.

 LOCAL CLUBS A.G.M....

Now that we have given you some info on the RAI handbook of Angling Club Organisation, let us tell you about some local angling clubs who will be holding their Annual General Meeting in the coming weeks. On Sunday next February 19th at 3pm Lough Bane Anglers will have their A.G.M. It will be held at Moylagh Community Hall. This is always a well attended meeting and its vitally important members support their A.G.M. The following Friday night February 24th Lough Lene Anglers will hold their A.G.M. This will take place in Collinstown hall at 8-30pm. It's going to be another very busy year for Lough Lene on the competition scene, and it has the honour of holding the I.T.F.F.A. 2006 Youths National Qualifier on April 22nd. Michael Callaghan (Hon-Sec. I.T.F.F.A.) has appealed to affiliated clubs to make every effort to encourage their younger members to take part in this competition. The Irish Youths international Fly-fishing  team will be selected mainly from this competition. All clubs will be notified as the event draws nearer. If you need any more info on I.T.F.F.A qualifiers etc Michael Callaghan can be contacted on 086-8845750. 

SALMON TALK...

We have being asked to inform you Midlanders who salmon fish that the Stop salmon Drift nets Now A.G.M. will be held in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin at 12noon on Saturday 25th March. I know a lot of readers are very keen salmon anglers and it's important you are kept up to date with what's happening on the salmon scene. The February Newsletter of the !stop salmon drift nets now! has being posted out to its members. If any local salmon anglers would like to join Stop Now or receive Newsletter etc give me a ring and I will put you in the right direction. 

FINALLY....

We end this weeks Angling Focus on a sad note. Well known all- round Mullingar Sportsman Ray Duncan has passed away. Ray was a very keen  angler, and we send our deepest sympathies to all his immediate family members & friends. Unfortunately it's the passing of another true Midland Angling Legend.