The New Ross & District SAC held their 3-day Whit Weekend Fishing Festival at various venues along the Hook peninsula over the weekend. Twenty-three anglers participated in what was a wind-plagued few days, as the organisers were forced to make numerous changes to zones and venues to ensure safe and comfortable fishing for all.
Day 1 was originally planned for Slade, but the event was moved to Churchtown due to strong winds. Despite tough conditions, there was a steady catch, mostly dogfish, with some wrasse, pollock, and bullhuss.
Zone 1 winner: Eugene Andrews
Zone 2 winner: Peter Ondrejack
Biggest fish: Mark O’Neill (81cm huss)
Top junior: Philip Kennedy Ryan
Day 2 saw some forced zone changes, again due to wind, and while fishing was tough again, Eugene Andrews built on his strong day one performance to take another win.
Zone 1 winner: Eugene Andrews
Zone 2 winner: Brendan Butler
Biggest fish: Jimmy Farrell (41cm wrasse)
Top junior: Daniel Reynolds
Day 3 saw a return to Slade with fresh pegs and high hopes. The fishing delivered, with highlights including a 66cm pollock (Eugene Andrews), a 52cm bass (John Foley),
Zone 1 winner: Joe Ryan
Zone 2 winner: Brendan Butler
Biggest fish: Eugene Andrews (66cm pollock)
Top junior: Philip Kennedy Ryan
Overall Winners:
1st: Eugene Andrews
2nd: Brendan Butler
3rd: Peter Ondrejack
4th Jimmy Farrell
5th Les Arnold
6th Dean Jackson
Junior Winners:
Philip Kennedy Ryan
Daniel Reynolds
