Galway Bay SAC held the first leg of their Master Angler league on Saturday, with a great report here from club PRO Tom Keal…
For the first leg of the all-anticipated Master Angler League, we travelled west in search of good weather and good fishing. 7 Seniors and 2 Juniors journeyed to Lettergesh on a sunny Saturday.
Conditions were less than favourable, with clear sunny skies and clear water. However, a small beach surf gave us hope of a few flats.
Fishing started at 11am, and it began to a good start with Chris Hartnett getting the game going with a turbot on the first cast. The middle 3 pegs seemed to have the fish, as Conor Murray and Tom Keal also caught fish within the first two casts.
Sharing a peg with his daughter Ailbhe and his son Ronan, Chris scored a few more Turbot, including a double shot.
Not long after, Ailbhe caught what was to be the only flounder of 18cm.
Conor Murray quickly bounced back, securing another fish to keep in touch with Chris; however, the hope didn’t last as Chris landed an impressive 31cm Turbot to boost him to the top spot.
As the tide began to turn, much-needed fish were seen at the lower pegs. Finbarr Maguire had a double shot of counting Turbot, and Brian Reidy was soon to follow, landing 3 undersize Tubots.
John Cunningham saved the blank and landed an undersized turbot, worth its weight in MA points! At the final whistle Chris Hartnett won the senior division, a well deserved 1st place.
Overall, it was a delightful day of fishing with 15 fish caught. It was great to see everyone back on the beach again after the long winter. Thanks again to Galway Atlantaquaria for sponsoring the Junior division this year.
Results
Senior Junior
1st – Chris Hartnett 4 fish (111 points) 1st – Ailbhe Hartnett 2 fish (33 points)
2nd – Conor Murray 3 fish (60 points) 2nd – Ronan Hartnett
3rd – Finbarr Maguire 2 fish (45 points)
Our next outing is the Master Angler Leg 2 at Fanore Beach, Co Clare, on 11/12 May. Date and time TBC.
We hope to see you then.
If you’ve any questions regarding the club then feel free to send us a message.
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
