Boat Angling Ireland Meet.....

Boat Angling Ireland organised a meet in Cork Harbour last weekend and had a great attendence. Over 20 anglers participating using their own boats and two of the Hub's charter boats, the Lee Star and Deora De.

The competition started on Saturday but was a bit of a struggle at first. The weather didn't help with a stiff easterly breeze making for difficult conditions outside the harbour. Many of the smaller boats opted to stay within the confines of Roches Point and concentrate on the Harbour species. Martin Rayner and Seirt Schultz of Screeming Reels opted for this tactic and it served them well as they bagged up over 15 species.

Sunday was a better day weatherwise and also on the fishing front. However, there were a few casulties to the festivities of the previous night as many of the crew had watched the two matches in the Commodore Hotel and then had moved onto Tradewinds Bar/Restaurant for further craic and banter. Nevertheless, for those who made it out it was a great day. Many of the boats were able to make the long trek out to the Ling Rocks in flat calm conditions. The journey was worth it.

The fishing on the Ling's was electric. The crew of Screeming Reels pushed their tally upto 23 species with Seirt bagging a bonus specimen red gurnard of 2.1lbs. The other boats faired out much better aswell with anglers getting stuck in good pollack, cod, and ling.

Thankfully, the fishing on Sunday redeemed the weekend and certainly made up for Saturday. Many of the gang returned home content and, hopefully, we'll see them all next year at the next BAI meet in Cork Harbour.