Ronan Cusack reports that torrential rain over the past few weeks in the Connacht area has driven water levels on Lough Mask up to what you would expect in mid-November. Anglers and boatmen that have not seen their boats for a while would be well advised to take the time to check them, as many are just about clinging on to the shore.
Fishing over the past week or so has been difficult; possibly due to the volume of flood water in the lake at the moment. Last week saw the 14th Vintners Federation of Ireland 2 day Trout Fishing Competition on Lough Mask, which was hosted by Burkes Bar, Clonbur. As always the competition was well supported by 128 anglers. In first place was well known competition angler, Basil Shields from Oughterard, with 5 fish for 4.255kg over the 2 days. In second position was Tom Ormond from Dublin with 2 fish for 3.131kg. Tom also weighed in the heaviest fish, which tipped the scales at 2.687kg. Richie Willis from Mallow took third place, with 5 fish for 2.583kg. Richie also won the best Vintner prize over the event. The best team of four went to Eddie Gibbons Tourmakeady, Tom Sweeney Macroom, Richie Willis Mallow and Jackie Coyne Renvyle with a total of 13 fish weighing 6.486kgs.
