Close Finish at the Cork Small Boats Festival 2013

The Cork Small Boats Festival (CSBF) had one of its closest finishes in years this year. Three boats finished on thirty species and had to be separated by weight of catch. Waterford based “Screaming Reels” claimed the top honours. Cork based “Skua” finished in second place by 0.05lb (22g) and Blackpool-based “Beastmaster” completed the top trio on thirty species. Three boats were in touching distance with twenty nine species – Liverpudlians  “Quattro” were fourth while Welsh boat “Sea Pigeon” beat Liverpool boat “Wimps” into fifth place. One species covered the top six boats.

The event was hailed as a superb success not just by the anglers, organisers and supporters but also by local businesses in the Aghada/Whiregate area of east Cork.

The festival fleet comprised of twenty five boats the majority of which were towed into the area from the UK. Over the four days of competitive fishing over forty species of fish were caught including specimen sized dogfish and red gurnard. Competitors fished Cork Harbour and surrounding waters on each of the four competitive days. Boats were allowed unrestricted access to the outside of the harbour thanks to favourable sea conditions.

The event is supported by Failte Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Bellavista Hotel, Irish Angler Magazine and many local businesses. Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Myles Kelly, Inland Fisheries Ireland said that it was a great honour to be associated with such a successful event and praised the organisers for putting small boat angling in Ireland on the European stage.

Next year’s festival will take place from 19^th -26^th of September. All crews are welcome.

Complete results are available at www.skuaangling.net