Galway Bay SAC held their second club Master Angler competition on Sunday, fishing Carrowmore beach just outside Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. A beautiful spring day greeted anglers, with the odd passing shower that stayed mostly offshore.
A nice surf and decent tide looked like perfect conditions, but fishing was frustratingly slow. An early dogfish put Kevin O’Hara into the lead, which would prove insurmountable, with senior anglers only landing the odd single fish throughout the competition. John Cunningham’s 41cm flounder being the pick of these.
The junior anglers, however, stole the show, with the Harty clan all showing dad Gary how to catch fish. Young James Harty took first place on his first ever competitive outing, with two flounder including a cracking 41cm fish.
Brother Danny was also on the fish, and he also had a big 41cm flattie.
At the end of the competition, the Hartys swept the board in the junior section, with James taking top spot, followed by Danny in second and sister Mila in third.
Ailbhe Hartnett took 4th in the juniors, and was also presented with two bronze medals, one for the recent Maurice Dalton All-Ireland Open Shore, and one for the All-Ireland Inter-Provincial Championships.
The seniuor competition was won by Kevin O’Hara, followed in second by John Cunningham, and Brian Reidy took third spot. With 3 weeks until the next leg at Lettergesh, there is still all to play for in the master angler table.
Go Fishing
Galway Bay Sea Angling Club is a progressive club based in Galway, but fishing competitions along the west coast. New members are always welcome, and every level of experience is catered for, with social outings right up to competitions held throughout the year. If you’re looking to get into sea angling in the west, check them out here
