‘IT MAY not be the largest trout competition but it’s up there with the best,” a sentiment echoed time and time again at last week’s vintner’s fly- fishing championship on Lough Mask in Co Mayo.
While the world cup competition sets claim to the greatest number of anglers (460 this year), the vintners is an absolute gem. It’s a closed shop, by invite only. “There are 50 or 60 on the waiting list,” according to organiser Tom “Swanky” Sweeney.
It all started back in 2001 with two Cork publicans, Dan Dennehy and Swanky himself, out fishing together on Mask. “Let’s have a go at running a midweek competition, solely for publicans,” Dan said. The first year only eight turned up.
Over the 13 years it has gained momentum, attracting publicans from across the country, and now friends are also invited, bringing this year’s entry to 142.
It continues to retain its vintner’s identity, such as its taking place on a Tuesday and Wednesday.
For me, the two-day event is not all about fishing. Yes, Mask is one of the finest wild brown trout lakes on the planet but it’s what surrounds this event that makes it special.
The beautiful village of Clonbur, sandwiched between Mask and Corrib, took on a new meaning as anglers converged on Burke’s bar and restaurant in the main street. The warm welcome afforded to all anglers by Tómas Burke and his staff set the scene for a memorable few days.
The theme inside Burkes is fishing. Walls are adorned with big trout (specimens and records). In 2012, Welsh angler Ceri Jones caught a trout of 23lb 12oz trolling on Corrib. It was the heaviest trout caught in Ireland for 118 years. The previous year Ceri caught a 19-pounder. It too, is there for all to see.
The latest to join the hall of fame is one from Tom Swanky himself, again allegedly the heaviest trout ever caught on fly, certainly on Mask. The fish fell to an Olive Muddler and weighed 11lb 15oz.
It all happened at Burkes – the check-in and weigh-in, fabulous meals and prizegiving. But perhaps the evening sing-along is what makes the vintners stand out from the crowd.
Indian Summer
The Indian Summer put paid to any serious fishing at this year’s vintner’s competition. Mirror-flat water with hardly a puff of wind, coupled with the sun belting down throughout the two days, left anglers with little choice.
Pulling wets was cumbersome for most with “bird nests” inevitable. Dry fly sedge fishing became the best option, even this proved difficult as trout dislike bright sunshine.
I witnessed two boats join forces for an afternoon chat in the middle of the lake. The chat lasted all of 30 minutes!
But with 142 anglers (71 boats) out on this vast lake it was inevitable some would come across the odd gullible trout. And so it was, day one produced 44 for 39 anglers (not bad), but the second day, just 15 fish.
On the first day, Frank Long and boating partner Michael Polin came across a pod and managed three fish each. However, Frank edged out another fish on day two, sufficient to take the overall winner’s prize.
Frank, of Signature Health Fitness in Cork, said: “We caught all our fish at the Saints on dry sedges. My best to date was a fourth, three years ago.”
The heaviest fish of 3.55lb fell to Eddie Harte from Ballisodare, at the back of Saints on a black sedge and Pat Bannon of the Royal Bar, Ballyjamesduff, won the vintner’s prize with one fish of 1.35lb.
Following the prizegiving, Kanturk publican Dan Dennehy, said: “It was tough fishing out there for the two days but there was a great spirit throughout.” He thanked the Burke family and staff for their hospitality.
Freshwater Detective
A series of courses entitled “The Freshwater Detective” will take place in UCD, led by Prof Ken Whelan. The course will comprise of six talks and four field visits.
Contact UCD Adult Education Centre. Call 01-716 7123 or see adult.education@ucd.ie.
angling@irishtimes.com
