In particular, I have in mind coarse angling, the Minister said.

As to what is known as coarse angling, tench, bream and pike are giving themselves up in vast numbers.

Game, sea and coarse angling are well represented at the two-day Ireland Angling show that encompasses all facets of the sport.

While pike angling is still at a premium with a huge number of double-figure fish recorded, sea and coarse angling is virtually at a standstill.

The 56th National Coarse Angling Championships took place recently in Ballybay, Co Monaghan.