Ronan Cusack reported on the opening of the season on Lough Mask. The trout season kicked off on Lough Mask on Friday last, with large numbers of shore anglers congregating on the western shoreline. Weather conditions were ideal, with a light southerly breeze and a mild hint of spring in the air. Anglers began to arrive from as early as 5:30a.m., taking up position in some of the hot spots. Water levels were also perfect, with much of the grass margin covered by flood water. IFI staff carried out routine checks in the Tourmakeady area over the weekend and 97 anglers reported 29 fish. The best trout was landed by a Westmeath angler which weighed 4.9lbs.
Local Tourmakeady angler Michael Shovlin spent a few hours wet-fly fishing on Friday and he had 2 fish (best fish 2.5lbs, all released). Liam Conroy and Peter Gosson, also from Tourmakeady, fished on Friday and they had 1 fish for 1.5lbs. Liam fished again on Saturday and he had 4 fish (best fish 1.75lbs, all released). Kevin Beattie from Ballinrobe fished on Friday and he had 1 fish for 1.5lbs. John Brennan and fishing partner Kieran from Longford fished on Sunday and they had 2 fish for the day. Kieran fished Minkie’s over shallow water across Cahir Bay for most of the day and landed and released a cracking fish for 4.5lbs.
