Leitrim Salmon Is First Of 2008

A Northern Ireland angler has had to wait almost a week into the New Year to land the first salmon of 2008.

Retired farmer Colin Gardiner landed a 13lb fish in Co Leitrim on Saturday after having to cast his line for several hours every day since the first failed attempt on New Year's Day.

The 52-year-old part-time ghillie landed his fish near Kinlough on the Leitrim bank of the River Drowse which forms part of the border with county Donegal.

Traditionally the first salmon of the year caught with rod and line has been landed on the Drowse, usually on New Year's Day.

But this year the salmon weren't biting too early, with over 200 anglers who lined the river banks going home empty handed, cold and disappointed.

"They just weren't taking the bait. It sometimes goes like that. I was on the river every day for up to seven hours, even during that bitterly cold blizzard on Friday. I was determined to land one.

"Finally, after four-and-a-half days, I hooked one at noon on Saturday," said Mr Gardiner.

Mr Gardiner, from Mountainview Ave, Lurgan, Co Armagh, has fished the Drowse every year for almost 30 years. He also landed the first fish of 2005.

He made Saturday's catch with a black flying c with silver blade - the same bait that hooked his catch three years ago.

The salmon will be the main dish at a special celebration dinner in a Bundoran restaurant on Friday. The occasion is expected to raise €1,500 for charity.

(BMcC)