Trailing England by 8% after day one, Ireland raised their game and despite only one boat win, the consistency of high individual scores by the five members saw them overturn the deficit to win by 36%.
Three days of practice by most teams proved time well spent, ensuring up to date knowledge of the venue and the species likely to be on offer. Sadly, this also indicated that mackerel and bream were in very short supply. The absence of mackerel was a significant bait inhibitor.
The event was fished in good conditions from three vessels, Supanova (Lyle Stantiford), Wild Frontier (Clem Carter) and Al’s Spirit (Adrian Brown). Each day consisted of three two hour fishing sessions, with two at anchor and one on the drift. Scoring basis was points per species, catch and release with a minimum size of 20cms. Each angler was issued a ‘bait pack’ of three mackerel, one pound of squid and half a pound of rag at the start of the day and sound bait management was demanded to ensure that enough was retained to last the six hours.
The anchor zones targeted bottom feeding fish (dogfish, huss, conger and ray) but with the possibility of pouting and the odd passing tope. Drift sessions proved to be the highest scoring part of the event with numbers of wrasse, pollack and cod recorded.
Overall team result for the two days: Ireland 883.26%, England 847.28%, Wales 728.41%, and Scotland 650.81%.
With Ireland winning 2014 in Portrush as well they are now seeking the ‘treble’ when the competition returns to Wales next year.
Photo – Brian Owen, the Chair of the Angling Trust Marine competition group presenting the trophy to the winning Irish Manager, Liam O Callaghan.
