Having led from the first day the German pairing of Jens Koschnick and Thorsten Kusters went on to win the World Pairs catching a combined weight of 189.905kg over the five days.

Cullys Shore Fishing in very difficult conditions at Cully’s Shore on Garadice Lake. Despite this James Place (closest to camera) caught a section-topping 12.900kg, and Chris VanderVliet (to James Place’s right) caught 12.025kg.
Cullys Shore Fishing in very difficult conditions at Cully’s Shore on Garadice Lake. Despite this James Place (closest to camera) caught a section-topping 12.900kg, and Chris VanderVliet (to James Place’s right) caught 12.025kg.

On the final day on the 2016 edition of Lakelands and Inland Waterways’ World Pairs Angling Championships Jens and Thorsten had a 20kg lead in the Pairs, while Jens was hanging on to a narrow 4kg advantage in the individual Daiwa Cup. Conditions were far from ideal. Anglers were confronted by stormy lake shores that looked more surf beaches, but some good weights were managed none the less.

Conditions at Connolly’s Shore were no easier, although at least the wind was to the anglers’ backs
Conditions at Connolly’s Shore were no easier, although at least the wind was to the anglers’ backs

The expectation was that that it was going to be tight at the top as Rod Scott and Michael Buchwalder headed to a section with the opportunity to post far better weights than our German friends.  Despite their best efforts they still finished over 15kg behind the winners. Last year’s winners Phil and Steve Ringer made a sensational bid for a podium finish and managed to jump 6 teams to take 3rd place this year.

Overall Pairs’ Winners Jens Koschnick and Thorsten Kusters display their trophies
Overall Pairs’ Winners Jens Koschnick and Thorsten Kusters display their trophies

This win brings the German pairing a €10,000 cheque! Jens also picks up and additional €1000 and €1500 in Daiwa vouchers for winning the individual Daiwa Cup.

World Pairs Result

  1. Jens Koschnick and Thorsten Küsters, 189.905 kg
  2. Michael Buchwalder and Rod Scott, 174.010 kg
  3. Phil Ringer and Steve Ringer, 168.790 kg
  4. Will Freeman and Andy Leathers, 161.030 kg
  5. Cathal Hughes and Philip Jackson, 156.550 kg

Daiwa Cup

  1. Jens Koschnick 98.690kg
  2. Lee Addy 97.060kg
  3. Will Freeman 95.250kg
Cameron Hughes with his section best bag of 19.200kg
Cameron Hughes with his section best bag of 19.200kg

Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland have sponsored the World Pairs for the past five years, providing the top prizes with further support from Fermanagh-Omagh District Council & Cavan County Council. The active support of DAERA Inland Fisheries and Inland Fisheries Ireland has also been essential for a successful event with their expertise and resources in finding venues, preparing pegs, the bio-security measures and the stewarding for the events.

Day 4 gallery

Photos from Cormac Goulding and Val Fitzpatrick, IFI on the shores of Loughs Brakley and Garadice