Anglers who managed to capture a specimen fish during 2021 were in Dublin last weekend to pick up their specimen awards from the Irish Specimen Fish Committee. The ISFC awards ceremony is keenly awaited by specimen anglers, who enjoy meeting up with like-minded anglers and swapping notes on seasons past and seasons to come. This was the first time the event was held since Feb 2020, as the last two awards ceremonies were cancelled due to Covid, so it was great to see the event back on the calendar. Twaite Shad, Tope and Spurdog were among the most prominent species featuring in specimen anglers’ catches during 2021. Corkwing Wrasse were added to the list of eligible species for the first time in 2021, with the length set at 24cm, and 15 anglers managed to bag a specimen. There was one record awarded at the ceremony, as well-known Cork angler Jim Clohessy picked up a record Stone Basse of 6.07kg during the year. Photos of the awards ceremony are available on the ISFC website.
