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THE TOAST OF THE FINN

With this sparkling 11lb salmon, Denis Crerand claimed the first fish of the season honours on Northern Ireland’s Foyle system on opening day, March 1. Fishing at Glebe pool on the Ivy Bridge beat of the Upper River Finn at Glenmore, Denis landed the fish on a Calvin Shrimp, carefully weighing it in the net before returning it to the river.

The day began with the annual parade to the footbridge below the church at Kiltyfergal, led by piper Paschal Gillen, followed by Michael Shortt’s traditional toast to the river, its salmon and all anglers.

ON A ROLL

Doncaster's Don Macalister followed up a successful trip to the Tweed with this pristine Eden springer, believed to be the first off the river this season. It was landed on a syndicate beat of the middle reaches. After catching a few kelts, Don had a solid take on his Red Frances tube, and he instantly knew it was a fresh fish. Following a spirited battle, a beautifully conditioned salmon of around 12lb was safely netted by his wife, Susan. Don’s set-up consisted of a Rio Gamechanger F/H/I line, a 10ft fast-sinking tip and a 9ft leader.