Westport's Allergan Interfirm boat fishing competition won by Marine Institute and the biggest skate of 117 lb. wins our Catch of the Week.

The highlight of the 34^th Allergan Team of 4 Interfirms competition fished out of Westport on Saturday 13^th June was a 117 lbs skate taken by Rodger Martin aboard the White Sea Horse. Measuring 148 cm across the wings and at 190cm in length this healthy male fish was hooked by Rodger on 12 lb. class gear at around 2.45 pm and was eventually boated at 4.30 pm.

Rodger, who has just opened a new angling tackle shop in Westport – RBM fisheries – was exhausted after the long battle but delighted to have landed and safely returned this mighty fish. The fish was tagged by skipper Charlie O’Malley as part of the national shark, skate and ray tagging programme operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Almost 70 anglers fished this excellent event which was won by a Marine Institute team which is based in Newport. Weather conditions were good although the North-west wind was a little chilly. The main catches were dogfish, bulhuss, ray and one skate. All fish went back alive and competitors enjoyed a bar-b-que and prize-giving in the Quays afterwards.