Ulster Krakens Brave the Elements in Ballycastle Battle
This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Ulster Krakens Sac Facebook page:
Leg 4 of the Master Angler qualifying series brought members of the Ulster Krakens club to Ballycastle on a bank holiday weekend, where most people might have chosen family time—but not this dedicated group of anglers. The match took place on Saturday night from 6pm to 11pm, with expectations tempered by recent reports suggesting the venue had been fishing poorly. However, on arrival, conditions appeared promising, with a decent surf and rolling waves along the shoreline.
As always, the pre-match atmosphere was lively, with plenty of banter before the peg draw. Reactions to the draw were mixed, as some anglers were clearly happier with their positions than others. A notable moment of teamwork came when several members helped Craig transport his gear across a difficult stretch of soft sand and shingle to a distant peg—an effort that did not go unnoticed.
Once lines hit the water at 6pm, early signs were encouraging, with fish being caught on first casts for some competitors. As the match progressed, conditions became more challenging. The sea grew choppier, making it difficult to hold bottom and leading to a few tangles between neighbouring anglers.
In Zone A, Raymond “Fish Whisperer” McCann showed strong form, steadily catching fish and appearing to unlock the right bait and rig combination. He was closely followed by consistent performances from Fra, Paul, Gavin Mahaffy, and Yuki, who ultimately topped the zone with six fish for 212 points. Meanwhile, some anglers, including Ally and Craig, struggled to get off the mark despite their efforts.
Zone B saw mixed fortunes, with two anglers retiring early due to the tough conditions. David Rainey made the most of his end peg, delivering an outstanding performance with 11 fish for 258 points to win the zone. Andrew McCallion and Marc Wilson followed in second and third, respectively, while others, including Andy and the two “Stevies,” enjoyed moderate success.
The match concluded at 11pm, with anglers returning to shore for results and well-earned refreshments. Thanks were extended to those who assisted fellow members and contributed to the post-match atmosphere, including the provider of the ever-popular cream buns.
On the night, 15 anglers competed, catching flounder, turbot, and dogfish. The biggest fish was a 27cm flounder landed by Stephen McGarrell. Despite challenging conditions, the event proved competitive, social, and rewarding for those who adapted best.
A full report and more photos can be viewed on the Ulster Krakens SAC Facebook Page.
