Sport

Angling Notes: Ireland reels them in at the world predator championships

‘Angling at international level is tough but rewarding,’ said team manager Tomek Kurman

A magnificent zander for Ireland’s Jacek Gorny at the world predator championships in England

Derek Evans
Mon Nov 5 2018 - 05:51

The warm sunny weather was rapidly deteriorating as Ireland’s Predator team explored the water on two practise days ahead of the Fipsed world championships on Rutland Water in East Midlands, England.

On competition day, the Irish teams of Tomek Kurman and Jacek Gorny, and brothers Steven and Andrew Powell got off to a good start against 40mph winds and tough fishing to produce 22 fish and 27,087 points for sixth position.

Team Ireland’s Andrew Powell with perch during the world predator championships on Rutland Water, England

With the two pairs ranked 13th and 14th they headed into the second day in high spirits. Concerns about catamaran racers and persistent cold rain made conditions very difficult.

This combined with a change in fishing area for one Irish boat left the team unable to capitalise on their position and whilst many fish including zander were caught, the total number was lower, leaving the team to finish in 10th position.

READ MORE

Team manager Tomek Kurman, said: “Angling at international level is tough but rewarding. Each year we visit different countries fishing a variety of venues and constantly learn from these trips. Of course, we want to win but the knowledge acquired and the camaraderie of the participating teams all contributes to a great experience.”

Whilst the boat team is already selected for the 2019 world championships in South Africa, preparations are underway to select the 2019 bank and 2020 boat teams. Ahead of the qualifiers, expressions of interest are invited in these two disciplines. For further details, see ncffi.ie.

Knowledge required

The 2018 Buckland Lecture, entitled: “A History of Salmon Management in the British Isles” by Dr Ronald Campbell, will take place at University College Dublin on November 20th, 2018.

The lecture will offer an opportunity to hear one of Europe's top salmon managers speak on how both scientific and "direct from the riverbank" knowledge has informed and misinformed management of our unique salmon resource over the years. Admission is free but you must book your place on eventbrite.ie.

A thrilling first

There was a terrific turnout at the Angling for All Facility in Aughrim, Co Wicklow last Tuesday for the Dublin Angling Initiative’s (DAI) get-together of youngsters from many of the Youth Outreach Programmes in the Dublin region.

Now in its 14th year, the initiative was set up primarily to bring young people into the sport by way of fishing trips, talks on the environment and to create an awareness of what lies beneath and above our many lakes, rivers and sea.

On the day, fishing was slow for the first hour with only a handful of trout caught, however, things picked up as casting improved and the fish “turned on”. At close of play, almost all had either met or caught fish to finish with a tally of 33 rainbows.

One unforgettable moment occurred when Leon Noctor, aged nine, from Dochas Family Centre, Clondalkin, caught his first-ever fish. He ran and skipped all of 30 metres to tell his friends, shouting: “I caught a fish, I caught a fish.” I have no doubt he will always remember the occasion.

Leon Noctor, aged nine, with his first ever fish, assisted by fisheries officer Gerry Wynne at Aughrim Lake

At the presentation of prizes in the on-site pavilion, DAI coordinator, Rory Keating thanked all the helpers who made the day a great success including IFI staff, Josie Mahon, Des Chew and Gerry Wynne. Brian Beckett, IFI’s Eastern River Basin District Director presented a new trophy, bequeathed by the late fisheries manager, Sean McMorrow, to the winning team, Sphere 17 from Darndale.

The fishing park is open every day from 9am. Tel: 0402-36552 or ndafaughrim@gmail.com.

All wrapped up

Several layers of clothing were the order of the day at Annamoe Trout Fishery for the second winter league with temperatures dipping to four degrees. Nevertheless, 19 anglers braved the weather to land 47 rainbow trout, all of which were measured and safely returned.

Sphere 17 from Darndale, winners of DAI outing to Aughrim (l to r, front row), R Keating (DAI), C Hayes, L Davis, J Powell, H McCabe, S Hanlon. (Back row), S McGrane and B Beckett (IFI)

Results: 1, D Wilkes, 8 trout, 354cm; 2, N Madden, 7t, 261cm; 3, H Smith, 6t, 257cm; 4, D Doyle, 5t, 222cm; 5, D Leccardi, 4t, 167cm. Remaining heats: Nov. 10th and 24th. Grand final: Dec 8th. Enquiries to Brian Nally, 086-259 8563.

[ angling@irishtimes.com ]