Galway Bay SAC held the latest leg of their Master Angler competition on Renvyle beach in Connemara on Saturday 22nd. 11 anglers turned up with high hopes, although a stiff northerly wind and a choppy sea greeted then with tough casting conditions. Fishing was from 6-10pm, with most expecting dogfish to show once darkness fell.

Last year this competition was won with 9 dogs, but this year the conditions were no impediment, and fishing was hectic right from the start, even with the sun still setting.

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Dogfish were  coming in from the first cast, and all along the beach rod tips were bouncing and then bending as casts were reeled in, with doubles and trebles on many casts. Unhooking fish and getting them measured by a neighbour, then getting another trace baited up became a matter of speed, with the rod tip nodding away within minutes of a cast hitting the water, and those who could keep up with the pace did best. At the top end of the beach, the dogs were coming in thick and fast for Kevin O’Hara (Peg 10) and Tom Keal (Peg 8), with John Cunningham (Peg 7) and Marcin Tomaszek (Peg 9) hot on their heels.

The rest of us kept up as best we could, but the best fishing was definitely on the higher pegs and it was down to those four as the match entered the final hour.

Tom, who had turned up half an hour late (as usual!) was left to rue his tardiness, as Kevin pipped him by 1 fish, with an incredible 36 dogfish.

John Cunningham was third. Your correspondent was only 5th, with 27 dogs, but thoroughly enjoyed the fishing – I’ve had enough blanks in these events that a prolific night like this can be really savored and enjoyed, whatever the result.

Winners

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