Massive Irish hauls silence the doubters

CRITICS of the Irish angling scene were silenced this week after a number of colossal catches were taken from waters across the country.

Rumours have arisen over the years to suggest sport on the Emerald Isle had been in decline but those suggestions were scorched when four fishermen shared over 450lb of bream between them during a session on a Co.Cork stillwater.

Leading the way was local guide Sidney Kennedy who used his vast knowledge of the region to put the group on a hotspot renowned for producing huge slabs. Accompanying him on the day was Pure Fishing consultant Terry Jackson, Andrew Wolsey and Derek O’Brien.

Over 20 balls of groundbait were fed into each anglers swim before simple feeder rigs baited with several red maggots were presented over the top.

Action was almost instant and by the end of the exhausting outing they had banked a trio of 10lb plus fish and at least 35 over the 7lb barrier.

“It was a real red letter day and we all agreed that we are unlikely to ever repeat this feat,” explained Terry.

“Bites came thick and fast and I managed a personal best of just under 10lb while Andrew netted a brace of doubles in consecutive casts! When everything comes together, Irish waters really can produce the goods,” he added.

Predator rods have also enjoyed rod bending action and the pick of the catches was Maciej Krajewski’s 30lb 9oz pike from the 44,000 acre Lough Corrib.

A number of specimens to 20lb fell for the homemade lure before the big fish found the offering and he said: “This was a very special fish that was made even more memorable by the fact it was caught from such a huge expanse of water.”

Further north, tench were the target of Brian Bohan who had a rigorous prebaiting campaign to thank for a breath-taking 200lb catch from a stillwater in County Leitrim.
The Irish international match angler took time out from his competitive schedule and reaped the rewards by netting fish to 6lb almost every chuck on feeder tactics.

For more details on Irish angling visit www.eu.purefishing.com/blogs/uk/terry-jackson