Fish of Ireland.

Page 2.

Salmon.

Described often as the king of fish, the salmon was in the past so plentiful in Ireland that it was fed to animals. Pollution and over fishing have reduced the numbers considerably, today the salmon is a major constitute to the Irish economy, bringing tourists from across the world to fish for it in Ireland's beautiful lakes and rivers.

The life cycle of the salmon is fascinating, it spends part of its life in the sea returning to the stream or river of its birth to mate and lay its eggs there it dies, its decomposing body enriching the water, feeding the various organisms and aquatic insects on which its offspring will feed when they emerge from their eggs.

Salmon farming is practiced particularly in the west of the country, there the fish are kept is cages anchored in sheltered sea lough's, and fed a pelleted food. Most people contend that the taste of farmed salmon can not compete with that of the wild variety.

Salmon Smolt.

Pike.

The pike has a reputation for ferociousness this is probably unjustified when you consider that the majority of fish are predatory, even the innocuous little goldfish in your bowl at home will devour smaller fish, their own offspring are just as liable to become yesterday's dinner as the total stranger.

The pike catches its prey by lying in wait beneath river banks or amongst reed beds, when the unfortunate victim is caught there is seldom any hope of escape, the razor sharp inward sloping teeth of the pike make it virtually impossible to escape.

In Ireland there are many angling clubs dedicated entirely to the pike, angling for pike is usually done using a spinner, if you intend to fish for pike check with the local angling bylaws in the area.

Eel.