The Ulster Provincial Council of IFSA held its annual “Open Gold Championship” which takes place in January each year. This years event was fished on Waterfoot beach in Co Antrim, Northen Irelands top sea angling match venues. It was very cold with lots of snow along the Glen’s of Antrim. The weather was windy, with westerly winds blowing all day and consistent light rain showers. There was a great turn out for this popular annual event despite the challenging conditions with 47 senior men and 2 ladies and 4 junior anglers taking part. Catches were mainly flounders but there was a few small codling at night. The biggest round fish was a 30cm coalie for Harry McKee senior and there was a 4 way tie for the flat fish, 32cm flounder. A few small bass of 18-21cm also showed up in daylight.

This Young Angler Proudly Displays Two Nice Water Flounder
This Young Angler Proudly Displays Two Nice Waterfoot Flounder

The results of the competition are outlined below.

Zone A

1st Sam Sterling, 2nd Matt McMurty, 3rd Ronan McMonagle

Zone B

1st Raymond McCann, 2nd Jonathan Gilbert, 3rd Harry McKee Jr

Zone C

1st Bobby Loughlin, 2nd Graeme Blair, 3rd James Snoddy

Winner Raymond McCann Being Presented With His Trophy by Eugene Andrews (Ulster Recorder)
Competition Winner Raymond McCann (left) Being Presented With His Trophy by Eugene Andrews (Ulster Recorder)