Galway Bay SAC PRO Tom Keal is back with a great report of last weekend’s Master Angler competition at Fanore. Tom isn’t too shabby at the fishing either, apparently…
For the second leg of the Master Angler, the club travelled to Fanore in Co Clare with high hopes after the fruitful leg 1 at Lettergesh, Co Galway.
6 seniors and 3 juniors made the scenic drive down to north Clare, where they were met with good surf and tens of beachgoers enjoying the water and the sun. The decision was made to fish on the further two strands to avoid the beach’s busier sections. Pegs 1-5 were positioned on the nearer strand, and the remaining 6-9 were located at the further away section of the beach.

Fishing started off slow, with the sun still bright, and nothing was caught until the 45-minute mark when Tom Keal on peg 1 got the competition going with a decent 36cm flounder.

Conor Murray caught a weaverfish on the other section of the beach on peg 8, which he was sharing with his son Liam. Thinking fishing would be slow, he measured it at 13cm, just undersize. Still recovering from the Leg 1 report, Conor decided not to take a photo of this impressive catch for fear that he would make another appearance!
Just after the turn of the tide, Tom landed another flounder to keep himself ahead of the pack. Fishing continued to be disappointingly slow at both ends, which gave the Hartnett family a chance to sit back, catch up and enjoy the sunset.

To finish the competition and put the final nail in the coffin, Tom landed a lively Bass measuring 43cm, winning himself leg 2 of the Master Angler.

Leg 2 Results
Senior
1st – Tom Keal 3 fish (120 Points)
2nd – Conor Murray 1 fish (10 Points)
Our next outing is Leg 3 Master Angler at White Strand on June 15/16, the exact date and time TBC.
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