Congratulations go to Robert Crichton from Douglas who took the top rod at the 2014 ITFFA International Team Fish Off. Robert, who caught nine trout and accumulated 1490 points, will go forward to represent Ireland for the seventh time in 2015. Robert and twenty five other members of the current Irish Fly Fishing Team converged on Lough Lene in County Westmeath on Sunday 6th April, each hoping to be one of eight privileged anglers who would retain their place and represent Ireland once again in 2015. With strong blustery winds and occasional bright sunshine these finicky Lene trout proved difficult even for experienced international anglers. For those who persisted, Lough Lene did not disappoint, with some fabulous trout being caught and released; the best of which was caught by Seamus Kelly and measured an impressive 60cm and would have weighed in the region of 6lb.

R Crichton
Robert Crichton. Best Rod in 2014 International Team Fish Off

Other successful anglers who will join Robert in representing Ireland at the 2015 International Matches include, Paddy Ward (Lough Derravaragh), Harry McAteer Jnr (Straid Fishery),  Barry Fox (Lough Gill), Seamus Kelly (Ballina Cloghans), Gary Binley (Ballina Cloghans),  John Brennan (Silverstream) and Gary Smith (Bangor Anglers).
Lough Lene is one of the best stocked trout fisheries in Ireland and provides some fabulous action using a variety of fly angling methods. With the duckfly fishing in full swing, and a variety of other chironomids due to arrive shortly, Lough Lene is well worth a visit. The areas around Fagans, The Cut and Madams appear to be most productive at the moment and effective fly patterns at this time would include diawl bachs, various nymph patterns, or epoxy buzzers fished is a light ripple on a midge tip or floating line. Day permits are available from the Gala Store in Collinstown and boat hire is available from Mr Tom Fagan.
The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association would like to congratulate Robert and we wish the rest of the team the very best of luck as they begin preparing for the International Matches!

Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association

The primary aim of the Association is to organise and run Provincial competitions in order to select competitors for Interprovincial, National and International fly fishing competitions on both Loughs and Rivers.
http://itffa.webs.com/