Secretary's Report 2009

The 2009 season was a reasonably good season for members and many salmon were reported caught throughout the year. The numbers caught however did not reflect the number of salmon seen going over the weirs or in the system which also was not reflected in official figures from the Loughs Agency.

The annual competitions were well supported with almost 70 anglers turning up to fish on the day. This was one of the best turnouts over the last number of years and some excellent trout were caught on the day. It is hoped that this year that they will be run on Sunday the 16th May starting at approx 1pm through to 10pm that evening. A lot of time and effort is put into organising these competitions and members are asked to publicise and support them. The trout fishing in our system is excellent with many reasonable size trout being caught throughout the season.

Our website www.omaghanglers.org is still getting plenty of visitors averaging 100 per week in the close season and up near 170 per week during the fishing season. If there are photos of anglers with fish caught locally then we can try to get them on the website. We have continued to replace a lot of our stiles and bridges last year again and this work will continue throughout 2010. If any one knows of stiles/bridges in disrepair let either me or one of the committee members or CA Andersons know of its whereabouts.

At time of going to press we are in consultation with several of the governing bodies about the hydroelectric scheme proposed for the River Camowen. It looks like the scheme will be going ahead but we are still consulting with FASTA and the Ulster Angling Federation about whether or not we can delay it further. We are fighting our corner to get the best outcome we can which includes new fish passes and counters

Lastly I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in the last year in my role as Club Secretary especially the Chairman, Treasurer and also thanks to the Club Bailiffs for their sterling efforts throughout the 2009.The Bailiffs checked 440 tickets in the 2009 season, a fantastic effort in protecting our waters for our members. T. Smithson Honorary Secretary.