Derek Evans, angling correspondent with the Irish Times reports on the launch of the Hook Bass Angling Festival which runs from the 26th to the 28th of October.

Thomas Stafford Secretary of Hook Tourism, David Neville Chairperson of Hook Tourism, Alan Ryan Hook Tourism, John Flynn IFI, Minister Paul Kehoe TD, Walter Foley Hook Tourism.

Hook Bass Angling Festival 26th, 27th & 28th October

Fethard–On–Sea, Hook Peninsula, Wexford.

The Launch of the Hook Bass Angling Festival was held on the 1st of October at the famous Hook Lighthouse in Wexford. The Festival was officially launched by Minister Paul Kehoe TD.

The Southwest Wexford coastline is amazing.  On the Hook you can find a beach a day for a fortnight, perfect for the festival.

Hook Bass Angling Festival is a three day competition and will be held on a catch-and-release basis at various locations on the Hook Peninsula.  It is €75 for 3 days and €25 per day. You can enter on www.hooktourism.com

John Flynn, Walter Foley, David Neville Chairperson of Hook Tourism, Alan Ryan Hook Tourism, Minister Paul Kehoe TD, and Thomas Stafford

1st prize: A weekend accommodation at Grangecourt Holiday Cottages Ltd., Fethard-On-Sea that sleeps up to 5 people, and a day trip fishing for two with Wild Swan, Mermaid Angling, Arthurstown.  Prizes also awarded for second, third place and also for the longest bass.

On the Friday and Saturday evening, there will be talks from Billy Colfer and Dr. Ed Fahy about the history of the area and about bass fishing. The talks will be held in Neville’s bar at 7pm. Neville’s Bar and Restaurant will also be serving a special anglers menu in their restaurant.  They will also be hosting the prize giving on the Sunday evening.

This will be a family event, as the Hook Peninsula has many historic sites to see and activities to do, especially for Halloween. For more information go to www.hooktourism.com

This is the first Hook Bass Angling Festival on the Hook Peninsula and it will be great competition and full of family fun.