Inland Fisheries Ireland’s’ Josie Mahon reports on the Media Fly Fishing Competition which was held at the Annamoe Trout Fishery in Annamoe, County Wicklow on Friday 10th April. Angling media competitions are now run several times during the year and this annual event at Annamoe was organised by Derek Evans and Brian Nally of Annamoe Trout Fishery.

13 anglers from a variety of broadcast and print media took part in the competition on the scenic fly fishing lake in Wicklow. Competitors included Fergal Keane from RTE, Dick Warner, author and film maker,  Liam Kane from Irish Angler,  Paddy O’Flaherty from BBC Radio Ulster, Betty Hayes from Irish Game and Country Fair and Derek Evans from the Irish Times to name but a few.

Participants in the Media Fly Fishing Competition at Annamoe Trout Fishery on Friday.
Participants in the Media Fly Fishing Competition at Annamoe Trout Fishery on Friday.

The fishery was split into four zones with competitors fishing zones every half hour therefore giving everyone a chance to fish in all zones. The day proved very productive with many fish caught, most of which weighed 4-6lbs. Catch and release applied, the winning score based on the cumulative length of Trout caught. Maurice Neill, from Belfast was quick off the mark along with Liam Kane, each landing a couple of fish early on. Following a delicious lunch provided by Brian Nally of Annamoe Trout fishery, competitors returned to the fishery. Fine conditions continued throughout the day with many more fish landed including some whoppers!  However, Maurice’s fighting form continued as he caught and released 9 fish in total which landed him the first prize! In total 63 hard fighting rainbow trout were caught, recorded and released during the competition.

Liam Kane Strikes a Pose and Some Fish at Fridays Media Event.
Liam Kane Strikes a Pose and Some Fish at Fridays Media Event.

Mr. Derek Evans of the Irish Times presented the prizes at the lodge in Annamoe.  Maurice Neill of Spectator Newspapers in Northern Ireland won the competition catching a total of 9 fish. Second place went to Paddy O’Flaherty from BBC Radio Ulster who caught 8 fish and third place went to Mick Flanagan who caught 8 fish. Prizes were sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland, Wicklow Boat Charters and Annamoe Trout Fishery. A big thank you to Brian Nally for his wonderful hospitality in Annamoe Trout Fishery and Derek Evans, Irish Times angling correspondent for organising.

A Nice Annamoe Rainbow Pictured Before Release Back to the Lake
Maurice Neill Pictured With a Nice Annamoe Rainbow Just Before its Release Back to the Lake

For further information on Annamoe Trout Fishery see For further details please contact Brian Nally, Annamoe Trout Fishery, Annamoe, Co. Wicklow. 

www.annamoetroutfishery.com, Email: [email protected], Tel: 0404 45470