Ronan Cusack has mixed reports from Mask this week as anglers continue to hunt the deeps in pursuit of daphnia-feeding trout…

Peter Byrne of Lough Carra Anglers organized the annual catch-and-release competition on Carra/Mask on Sunday last in aid of the Water Protection Group. This is the 10th anniversary of the competition and had a good turnout of anglers despite Mayo being in the All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park that day. On the day 46 anglers fished and 89 trout were recorded. The competition was run to a 30cm limit, which 54 trout exceeded. Philip Clesham from Castlebar came out on top with an overall length of 241cm. Philip also had the longest fish on the day which measured 56cm. Using the World cup conversion chart Philips fish would convert to over 4lbs.

Ray Broughton and Kevin Beattie from Ballinrobe fished the deep on Tuesday of this week and they reported plenty of action. The lads finished with 5 good keepers and numerous undersize (best fish 1.75lbs). Richie Cameron had 1 fish on wets on Saturday last in very rough conditions. Danny Joyce from Ballinrobe had 2 on Sunday and a further 3 on Tuesday, all on wet flies from the deep (best fish 1.5lbs).

Heavy rain over the past week has raised water levels on Lough Mask significantly. Any anglers who may not have seen their boat recently may be advised to do so.