Galway Bay Sea Angling Cub PRO Tom Keal has a great (if belated!) report up from their recent competition on Whitestrand beach in Co. Mayo.
On Saturday the 23rd of May Galway Bay anglers headed north to White Strand, Mayo.
7 seniors and 2 juniors made the journey to the picturesque shores of White Strand. With all anglers checked in at 10am we made the pilgrimage across the beach to our match pegs. Conditions were favourable with overcast skies and a decent swell scattered amongst the pegs.
Across the shore first casts were made at 11am. No fish were caught in the first 20 mins, but Brian Reidy got things going with an 18cm flounder. Soon after, Danny Harty, our Irish u21 team member, got his match going with a turbot. As an international angler, Danny was quick to change tactics following the size of his turbot and soon landed two more undersize turbot in quick succession.
Kevin O’Hara, a man on a mission to retain his GBSAC Master Angler title this year also put himself into early contention landing two undersize turbot. With the match approaching half way a clear pattern was unfolding. Undersize, undersize and more undersize.
Heading into the second half, the tide was picking up pace and the surf was beginning to drop. Both Fionn O’Higgins and Tom Keal found some form and landed a undersize turbot of 10cm and a weaver fish. Danny and Kevin continued their fine form and were soon equalling again on points. Brian, who was eager to stay in the race managed to get an undersize turbot to add to his 18cm flounder.
in the last few minutes Danny showed his class landing 15cm turbot, his only, but very important counting fish for the day. Kevin did his best to fight back but was only rewarded another undersize fish. Conor Murray, fishing alongside his son Liam managed a small turbot to finish their match off. Both Tom and Fionn landed fish in the final minutes creating a tiebreaker for 4th place.
Results
Senior
1st – Danny Harty – 6 fish (72 points)
2nd – Kevin O’Hara – 6 fish (60 points)
3rd – Brian Reidy – 2 fish (33 points)
4th – Fionn O’Higgins – 2 fish (20 points) *Tie breaker winner, 10cm turbot
Junior
Tied 1st – Amelia Zukauskas
Ties 1st – Liam Murray
Congratulations to Danny Harty on his first senior win with the club in his first senior competition!
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
