Angling Notes: Torrential rain and cold blustery winds failed to deter the interest of more than 60 teenagers who participated in last week's annual trout fishing competition at the Angling For All Facility in Aughrim, Co Wicklow, writes Derek Evans.
Organised by Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) the competition was held for young people who participated in fishing courses throughout the summer.
Upon arrival, the scene was akin to The Charge of the Light Brigade as each teenager grasped an assembled fishing rod, a box of worms and made straight for a favoured position at the lakeside, oblivious to the downpour.
Adrenalin was at a premium as group leaders baited hooks, sorted out tangles and generally assisted the young anglers to get started. The scene was set for two hours of fast and furious fishing.
Alas, after one hour of intensive fishing only one fish was safely landed, a situation which remained until the final whistle at 2 p.m.
Soaked and in pensive mood, the young anglers slowly made their way to the fishery office where Keith Lawlor from the Jobstown Jay project was declared the individual winner.
Keith, along with his team of three, received a fishing rod, courtesy of Shakespeare. In fact, all 68 contestants received prizes, ranging from fishing rods to reels, fish boxes and tackle, all sponsored by Shakespeare.
As DAI administrator, Des Chew has achieved a lot. Apart from introducing hundreds of teenagers to angling, he holds frequent workshops in schools and youth clubs and organises fishing outings in the Dublin area on a regular basis.
Assistance on the day was provided by Eastern Regional Fisheries Board officers, Josie Coleman and Ronan McCormack and ably assisted by Keith O'Connor and Eoin Beatty.
The Angling For All Facility at Aughrim is open all year round and is regularly stocked with hard-fighting rainbow trout. Winter times start at 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and rates range from €5 for one hour to €26 for a full day with a four-fish limit.
For further information, contact Martina at 0402-36552 or email: aughrimit@eircom.net.
A two-day shore angling festival takes place this weekend at Kilmore in Co Wexford. On Saturday, the Joe Monaghan Memorial Cup incorporating the sixth leg of the Leinster League takes place at Burrow Shore and Furlong's Road.
Fishing from 4 to 9 p.m., with check-in 12.30 p.m. in the Hotel Saltees, Kilmore Quay.
On Sunday, the venues are Lacken and Wexford Harbour with fishing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The prize fund will exceed €5,000 including €1,000 for overall winner. Each leg will be fished in three zones.
Prospective entrants must contact Chris Busher by this Friday (November 14th) at 053-45227 or 087-6204518.
Results of Galway Coarse Angling Association Adrian O'Sullivan Memorial juvenile competition at Ross Lake, Moycullen, Co Galway: 1, H. Brady (Galway), 2kg 20gr; 2, M. Kelly (Athenry), 1kg 30gr; 3, M. Sultan (Galway), 930 gr.