John Diamond reports on the All-Ireland Smooth Hound Championships fished at Kilgorman at the weekend…
Over 40 anglers fished the Henrystackleshop.com All-Ireland Smooth Hound Championships in Kilgorman, Co. Wexford on Saturday June 22nd. Check in was at the Golden Anchor, and anglers arrived there from around Ireland to bright sunshine and somewhat unexpectedly warm weather.
The three zones were stretched across Kilgorman strand, and at 4pm anglers cast into the water, with most opting for crab and ragworm as bait. Some fish were appearing: flounder, bass, dabs, gurnard, weever, whiting,plaice, dog fish, and small pup hounds.
Toward evening it got much cooler, as the sky clouded over, but more fish were coming in. At 9 pm it was time to wind in our lines, and it was back to the Golden Anchor to record the scores.
In total there was 135 fish recorded on the cards handed back, 40 of the fish being smooth hounds.
Biggest Flat fish: Eamonn Bermingham and Darren Ryan – 28 cm flounder
Biggest Round: Keith Stafford – 29 cm gurnard
After all the cards were scrutinised it was found that the three longest hounds were of equal length.
After a tie break Rory McDowell was declared the All Ireland Smooth Hound Champion.
Thanks to everybody who attended, to Inland Fisheries Ireland for their support and for sponsoring the trophy.
We would also like to thank Henry’s Tackle Shop, who sponsor all our competitions.
We are very appreciative of the hospitality shown by the Golden Anchor for hosting the check in and prize giving ceremony.
Sea Angling Ireland SAC will host the All Ireland Cod Championships in Youghal on November 23rd. This Open will also be sponsored by https://www.henrystackleshop.com/
Full results
Junior Winner
Kaitlin De Kleer
Overall Match Winner
Eamonn Bermingham
Zone A
1st Marco De Kleer
2nd Gordy Hardman
3rd Jason Convery
Zone B
1st Noel Fogarty
2nd Joe Chambers
3rd Jim O’Brien
Zone C
1st Jp Molloy
2nd Tommy Fogarty
3rd Darren Ryan
