Capaclough open competition was held on Sunday February 12th. Recent club competitions have been fished in some brutal weather during the winter months so it was with some relief that members set off for the venue in bright sunshine on Sunday afternoon. As they arrived at the beach Tralee Bay was like a mill pond with a number of pleasure boats out of Fenit marina taking advantage of the unseasonably good weather.
In total 24 anglers set up their equipment on the beach – clearly a number of regular competitors had themselves decided to take advantage of the good weather in order to do other things. As it turned out they were perhaps wise to do some gardening or watch the rugby on the TV as the fishing was disappointing to say the least.
Bright sunshine on shallow water coupled with a lack of any surf can be a recipe for a poor days fishing at any time of the year. Add to that the fact that it is mid-February and this dampens expectations still further. Nevertheless, early success suggested that fish were about and were on the feed. A couple of dogfish were landed early in the competition and shortly afterwards a rockling came ashore suggesting that a number of species might make an appearance. These expectations were short lived and bites became less frequent after the intial phase of the event. It was also the case that when fish were caught they were all too frequently undersize.
Techniques were much in evidence for the remainder of the competition. Short casting coupled with small hooks and different bait combinations were employed in an attempt to make the most of the difficult conditions. Despite these efforts a total of only 13 fish were caught and returned on the day.
It was generally agreed that this was one of the least successful outings the club had had for a very long time. Certainly by the time the final whistle went all were ready for the roaring fire and warm welcome which was waiting for us at Railway Bar in Camp. As hot drinks, sandwiches and sausage rolls were consumed everyone agreed that despite the poor fishing that it had been a grand day spent in good company and the fresh air.
Results
Junior Results:
- First: Adam Doyle
- Second: Darragh O’Sullivan
Senior Results
- First: John Williams
- Second: Ann Kelter
- Third: Vincent Tierney
Best Flatfish:
- 1st Adam Doyle, Flounder 36cm.
- 2nd Vincent Tierney, Flounder 25cm.
Best Round Fish:
- 1st Sean Fitzgerald 20cm Rockling.
- 2nd John Williams (drawn).
The raffle was won by Matt Hopper.
It was good to see the first prize go to a former club member who was returning to the club and competitive angling after a break for several years. It is always good to see young anglers doing consistently well and Adam Doyle’s name is featuring regularly in the prize list indicating his improving match angling skills which bodes well for the future. Many thanks to Ann and Mike O’Neil for their hospitality and generosity – a warm welcome, great pint and live music – what more could we possibly require.
John Tobin
Tralee Bay Sea Angling Club
Web: www.traleebaysac.org
