Ronan Cusack reports that with the World cup just days away there is a noticeable tense atmosphere among anglers around the shores of Lough Mask. Last year’s champion Aidan Hodgins from Loughrea was out scouting over the weekend with his son Mark. They had 6 fish on Saturday (best fish 2lbs, all released). Aidan fished again on Sunday with Loughrea club secretary Robbie Flaherty and they had 4 fish (best fish 1.5lbs, all released).
Ballinrobe & District Anglers held their annual club competition on Saturday last. There were 23 boats competing on the day with 33 fish weighed in. The top rod went to Mark Rogan from Waterford with 3 fish for 2.09kgs. Second place was John Brennan (Longford) with 2 fish for 1.56kgs. The third prize went to Stewart McGrane with 1 fish for 1.34kgs. Heaviest fish went to well-known Ballinrobe angler Robbie O’Grady which weighed in at 0.91kgs.
The Castlebar Anglers also held their club competition on Sunday last. 18 anglers weighed in 10 fish after a tough day of bright sunshine. First prize went to Peter Byrne, Castlebar, with 3 fish for 1.45kgs. Second was Jim Ruane, also from Castlebar, with 1 fish for 0.60kgs. Third place went to Joe Quinn, Ballina, with 1 fish for 0.59kgs.
Harold O’Toole and Stephen Greaney, Galway, fished together on Sunday last and they had 4 fish for the day (best fish 1.75lbs, all released). Kevin Egan and Michael Vahey from Ballinrobe also fished on Sunday and they had 4 fish from the deep on wet flies. Noel Fay from Kildare had 2 nice fish on wets for a few hours on Sunday afternoon (best fish 2lbs).
There has been a prolific hatch of sedge right across the lake over the past few days and trout have been seen freely rising. With the World Cup getting underway on Thursday the 2nd, there should be plenty to report on next week.
Ronan also guides on Mask and can be contacted on 087 2869487 or email [email protected]
