The National Course Fishing Federation of Ireland reports from the Fermoy CAA 2019 Autumn Festival on the River Blackwater where the mixed weather conditions led to a very close competition. NCFFI would like to congratulate Neil Richard who won with a weight of 40lb 12ozs. There was only a 1lb 8oz difference between the top four participants who placed. The runner up was Nigel Hirst with 4lb 6ozs, Mark Johnson came third with 39lb 10ozs and Ian Dawson came fourth with 39lbs 4ozs.
On day one of the competition the river rose almost three foot during the match and made it difficult to fish in areas. The winners were Ian Dawson Mirfield with 20lb, second place was Brian Webb, Swindon with 15lb 2ozs and third was Andy Timmer with 13lb 6ozs.
On day two there was colour in and the river was still dropping which made the conditions good for fishing. The winner was Ken Pacey with 26lb 12ozs, in second place was Mark Johnson with 26lb 4ozs and in third place was Nigel Hirst, Mirfield with 25lb 2ozs.
For day three the river was rising again during the match. The winner was Neil Richards with 24lb, in second place was Steve Skelton, Bristol with 16lb 6ozs and in third place was Mark Johnson with 13lb 6ozs.
The methods used during the competition were pole, whip and running line with toppers and big stick floats.
During the rest days of the competition, which were Tuesdays and Thursdays, a two day competition took place on Knocknanig Reservoir. This competition was won by Ian Dawson with 26lb 12ozs. In joint second place was Martin Keating from Cork with 16lb 14ozs and Michael Fitzpatrick from Cavan with 16lb 4ozs.
A number of the anglers competing in the competition brought their partners along with them and they enjoyed great hospitality throughout the week in the local area. Sponsors were: The Cross Bar, Grand Hotel, The Avondhu Bar, The Wagon Tavern, TK Goodtymes, Blackwater B&B, fishery owners, Fermoy Game Fishing and Henry Family, Cork Crystal.
Fermoy CAA would like to thank everyone who supports the festivals, sponsors and partners and they look forward to next year’s events. These events are as follows: 2020 Spring Festival week from the 18th May to the 22nd May and 2020 Autumn Festival week from the 5th October to the 9th October.
