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BOAT ANGLING                                         

2014 Report - Thursday 10th July, Cobh, Eire. 

Cead Mile Failte (a hundred thousand welcomes) the traditional Gaelic welcome. That spirit is exactly what we felt when we arrived at Cobh, which is situated on the largest of four islands in Cork harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. The management and staff at the Commodore Hotel could not do enough for us and everyone in the small town were really friendly. If I tell you that the owner Pat O'Shea is a mad keen angler then you will see that we were really well set up.

Chairman Mike Patten takes up the story -

The boat final this year found its way to Cork harbour following discussion of higher profile venues with CSSC head office. The chance to fish somewhere new is always welcome and the option of this renowned fishing area was eagerly grasped. The quayside across the road from the hotel and tackle shop next door simply add to the convenience.

A small group of finalists decided to arrive one day early and add an extra days fishing at their own expense. What did they learn? Well quite simply there were plenty of fish of various descriptions and lots and lots of mackerel to the point where often the bait intended for other fish simply did not make it to the bottom!

Cork harbour faces to the east so the forecast for the competition day of light north westerly winds added comfort to the plusses. The evening before the competition, the new arrivals quizzed the ones who had practiced, keen to squeeze out any information that may be of value to add to what they had researched before traveling. The suggestion that there was no need for a bait stop on the way out to catch mackerel was treated with suspicion but most accepted the advice in good faith. 

The four boats set off at 09:00 hours - early for the skippers who prefer an hour later! As soon as the lines hit the water the fish were on them. sadly on a frequent basis it was mackerel (which did not count towards the score) that not only threw themselves at the bait but then even more frustratingly decided to tangle up several lines in the process. Perseverance proved an asset but the frequency of mackerel hits became wearing.

Through the day the skippers moved to their favourite marks allowing the anglers to target different species and also offered excellent advice on tactics and rigs to ensure that everyone had the best opportunity to succeed. Indeed it is worth commenting at this point on the praise passed on to the organisers afterwards regarding the skippers and their efforts.

The fish just kept coming regularly through the day cod, dogfish, hake, dab, plaice, mullet, ling, gurnards (in fact all three varieties were recorded), pollack, pouting, poor cod, wrasse, (three types), whiting, haddock, conger eel and a ray. Numerous double shots and even some trebles for good measure.

The boats drifted nearly all day and this did have an impact on tackle losses. Drift fishing over rough ground is both rewarding and demanding. Any lapse of concentration or just bad luck resulted in the rig being captured by the sea bed, a mutter and groan by the angler and valuable fishing time spent setting up replacement tackle.

However, overall the fishing was excellent, the boats and their skippers first class and the weather played ball as well. This simply added up to a great day altogether.

We would also like to thank Pat O'Shea for his assistance and excellent advice plus his very helpful staff at the hotel. Also Donal and Mary Geary at Cobh Fishing tackle who sponsored the event, Donal was also the skipper on John Boy.

The final was won by Yorkshire who were one point clear of the South West and Eastern regions.

Individually in first place was Mike Patten (SW), followed by Chris Neden (NW) and John Skelton (Y). 

Donal and Mary donated a fishing rod and it was awarded to Dee Cannon (Y) for her achievement and commitment over a number of years and her performance on the day.

It is only to be hoped that we get to return to this lovely venue.

The 2015 final is at Poole on the 23rd July. 

Please note that accommodation for these finals is booked at least a year in advance and numbers are based on the regional teams that we know will be taking part. If you want to bring your partner or make the event a family holiday you must contact the angling council first, do not approach the hotel.

There is more to preparation for these finals than sorting out your tackle and ordering bait. Unless you know who you will be sharing a room with get yourself a decent pair of earplugs just in case! Despite forecasts the weather is very changeable so bring seasickness tablets even if you have never been sick before and take them the the night before! 

Whilst competing in the national finals on special leave you are deemed to be at work and are governed by normal Civil Service rules, as such you are expected to turn up at the boats to compete, occupy the room allocated to you and attend the presentation meal. Failure to comply with this timetable could cause you to be charged for unoccupancy of rooms, charged for an evening meal and may lead to disciplinary action by the Civil Service Sports Council or your employer. This also applies if you are retired as you are representing the CSSC.

Team Results

Deora de

John Boy

Osprey II

Cuan Bawn

Individual Results

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