Lure of Sooty Olive key to success on Lough Mask – and Humungus attracts in the dark on Sheelin

THE Sooty Olive was the key to success for Dublin-based angler Julien Behal following the highly successful Burke’s Open Fly Fishing Competition on Lough Mask. Fishing close to Saints Rocks, Julien enticed a fine trout of 2.11kg (4.65lb) from the shallows to begin an epic struggle lasting 20 minutes to claim overall heaviest fish for the two-day competition.

“As it’s the biggest trout I have caught to date, I will probably have it stuffed,” an elated Julien said. Ironically, a short time later in the same area, his dad Richard met an even bigger fish but unfortunately the hook came undone close to the boat.

Julien is perhaps better known for his photography skills having scooped top prize as photojournalist of the year in February last. However, his eye was certainly focused on big fish on Mask in order to outdo 76 competitors with his prize catch.

It was also a memorable occasion for Enniskillen angler Nigel Greene who, for the second successive year, emerged as overall winner with six fish for 3.77kg to claim the Ignatius Burke Perpetual Cup and a 42inch television set.

Nigel caught his three-fish bag limit easily on both days. In fact, on day two, along with his boating partner, the pair managed 14 “keepers”. “We stayed within Inishocht Bay and worked the narrow channels towards the Canal. The Cock Robin and Silver Peter Ross won the day and I would like to thank Patsy Treacy for tying the patterns,” he said.

Mask was still at least six feet above normal levels. “The lough is slow to drop, the canal being responsible for about 10 per cent outfall and the remainder simply drains through the crevices. During the floods, most harbours were submerged,” according to local residents.

Fishing over the two days was brilliant, with 82 and 91 fish caught each day – a slightly greater average than one fish per angler. Dabblers, Bibios, Alexandra and Cock Robin all worked well in overcast and breezy conditions.

For most anglers this competition spelt the real start to the season and I found intriguing the fact that tradition still pertained among the more seasoned anglers to return their first “counter” fish, irrespective of size.

But, of course, fishing should not be only about catching fish and this is where the Burke family excel. Everything associated with the competition revolved around this friendly establishment and a céad míle fáilte evident at every turn.

The food at Burkes was outstanding, not least the fresh pork from the revolving pig-on-the-spit, more than sufficient to feed the troops – and the hot soup handed out following each day’s fishing really hit the spot.

Speaking at the prizegiving, Eoin Burke said on behalf of his dad Ciarán and brother Tómas they were delighted with the response from the big turnout and looked forward to hosting the event again next year.

Results: 1, N Greene, 6 fish, 3.7kg; 2, M O’Shea, 6f, 3.4kg; 3, M Naughton, 6f, 3.2kg; 4, M Dunne, 5f, 3.19kg; 5, P Tracey, 4f, 3.18kg; 6, P Kavanagh, 5f, 3.0kg.

Ballynahinch first
Anne Corcoran of Dublin has the distinction of catching the first salmon of the season at Ballynahinch. Guided by local guide Cyril Biggins, Anne caught the 3.2kg (7lb) fish on Beat 3.

Mix-and-match
On Sheelin, it was a case of mix- and-match in terms of flies with varying degrees of success. Small, thin and sparsely dressed black wet fly patterns worked well. For example, the Black Pennell, Connemara Black, Black and Blue and Sooty Olive held their own.

With the discoloured water of late, anglers are advised to try some brightness threaded through the fly. The Humungus in black and black and silver and, of course, the Minkie still feature highly in success ratings.

The popular Sheelin Classic trout competition will be held on Saturday April 19th with an 11am start and 6pm finish. A strict 15” size limit will apply. An impressive list of prizes includes a 19ft Sheelin boat as first prize. To enter, contact Noel McLoughlin at 087-217 9460.

angling@irishtimes.com