ANGLING NOTES:THE much-awaited 2008 Wales Carp Masters' final took place at Celtic Lakes Resort, near Lampeter, west Wales, over the last weekend in August, writes Derek Evans
In moderate sunshine, 12 pairs of anglers took part in this special weekend for UK and Welsh carp angling.
Six qualifying heats over the past three months saw the top two pairs from each heat winning through to the final.
After tight competition throughout the three-day festival, Lee Botchett and James Willets emerged victorious, with 41.7kg and a generous £10,000 tackle voucher as first prize. With only one hour to go, 4kg separated four teams, which ended in a frantic and compelling final hour of fishing.
In second place, Team A, comprising Justin Hooper and John Kurle from Mega Baits, recorded 38.8kg, just 3kg behind the winning team. Their placing was slightly clouded as they hooked a fish just before "lines up", only to lose it minutes later. However, the duo received a tackle voucher for £5,000.
Paul Hatton and Ian Carter representing Team Sunbeam took bronze position from peg 10 with 37.4kg and a voucher for £3,000.
John Carney, head of Wales Carp Masters, said: "Once again the masters proved a huge success in helping to promote fishing in Wales. The event would not have been possible without support from Celtic Lakes, the marshals, the sponsors and the anglers." For further details, visit walescarpmasters.co.uk.
• Three poachers were sentenced at Holyhead Magistrate's Court last Tuesday to a total of 150 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to fishing for sewin (sea trout) using an unlicensed net at Traeth y Gribyn, near Holyhead, north Wales.
The defendants were also ordered to pay costs of £720 to the Environment Agency Wales (EAW). Officers seized four nets that contained three migratory sea trout and 16 sea fish.
The area of coastline is regarded as sensitive, as large numbers of fish congregate in Holyhead Bay before migrating to spawning grounds in rivers along the north Wales coast.
• On the home front, Lough Corrib fished reasonably well last week in spite of inclement weather and high water levels. Sedge and mayfly hatches brought trout to the surface with mayfly patterns to the forefront.
The Western Regional Fisheries Board held its annual competition against the North Western Board last Friday week out from Oughterard. Stormy conditions meant many anglers did not venture out, but those that did were rewarded with some good fishing.
This year the Western Board triumphed over their rivals and Ronan Cusack, Ballinrobe, was top rod with five trout. The competition was held on a catch-and-release basis, with fish measured and released.
Over on the Greenfields side, 36 competitors took to the waters of Corrib in the Des O'Donnell Memorial Wet Fly Trout Competition organised by Tuam Anglers' Association (TAA).
Winner on the day was Jimmy Acton with three fish for 3.14kg to scoop first prize of €500. Joe Langan was runner-up with one good fish of 2.24kg to win €300 and the Paddy Lawlor Trophy for heaviest fish caught by a TAA member.
Tuam Anglers would like to thank the O'Donnell family for their support and also to AIB Tuam and Corrib Tackle Galway for their generous sponsorship.
• Anglers are reminded that new bylaws are now in place on western lakes and tributaries. A four-fish bag limit now applies, as well as a 13-inch size limit. It is also prohibited to take more than one fish over 4.536kg.
The Cong River, Canal and Finny River are closed for September and the Maam River is fly-only for September. There are also restrictions on the number of rods allowed by individual anglers. Full details are available at www.wrfb.ie.
• On Lough Conn, the Irish Ladies Fly Fishing Association held a qualifier for the national team last Saturday week. Fishing out from Gortnorabbey in rough and windy weather, the ladies only managed one trout and that fell to Orla Walsh from Cloghans.
• Salmon angling on Easkey's Fortland Fishery was excellent last week, with 70 fish reported, of which 54 were released. Most fish were caught on fly.
On the Burrishoole Fishery, Denis Coghlan Snr and Jnr both caught a salmon each. Denis Snr boated a wild fish, which he released in accordance with fishery rules, while Denis Jnr had a grilse of 2.7kg.
• Max Couque, skipper of Leaca Rua, reports good tope and mixed species in Galway Bay during last week. On Thursday, anglers boated two tope, including one of 130cm, ling to 6kg, codling, pollack and six additional species.
For bookings, contact Max at 086-3234638 or www.galwaybayfishing.com.
• The Irish Fly Fishing Association website is up and running again and can be viewed at www.iffa.net. The revamped site includes results from this year's autumn international and the Irish rivers team for 2009.