Finally after 3 attempts the World final took place on Lough Mask on Sunday last, allowing 102 anglers to compete for the much sought-after trophy. This is the first time in the competition history that the final was held in September. The reason for this was, on two previous occasions unforeseen storms meant the competition had to be cancelled. Torrential rain over the past few weeks has raised the lake considerably which has also taken its toll on the fishing. As a rule on Lough Mask when there I a sudden Increase in water levels trout fishing can become extremely tough.
This was not the case for Co Leitrim angler Bernie Kilkenny who took first place in the 2019 World Cup. Bernie weighed in 5 trout weighing 5.7340Lbs. Dusan Demjan originally from Slovakia but now living in Galway took second place with 3 trout weighing 5.410. Local well known angler Pat Feerick from Partry took third position with 5 trout weighing 5.3860Lbs. John Allen from Co Down took the heaviest fish prise with a trout weighing 3.46lbs. Mary Millar from Headford Co Galway was the best lady angler over the competition. UK angler Martin McGowan was this year’s best overseas angler. Local man Paul Loscher was the boatman who brought in the winner on the final day and Sligo man Eddie Heart was the best boat man over the entire competition.
