An Cosantóir

34 | Defence Forces Sea Angling Competition 2012 By Sgt Declan O'Shea (Directorate, Reserve Defence Forces) T he DF Sea Angling (boat) competition held in Cork over July 15th, 16th and 17th saw 32 competitors from the three brigades and the DFTC participating in the annual competition, which is open to both serving and retired members of the PDF. The competition provides a wonderful opportunity for renewal of old friendships and the obligatory 'fishy' tale or two! As well as recreational anglers the competitors also included personnel that have fished internationally and at master angler standard. The competition is conducted on a percentage rule, which means that the angler who earns the most points per day on his, or her boat, is awarded 100%, with all other anglers' scores on that boat being marked as a percentage of this. This system allows competitors on a boat which has an 'off' day to remain in the competition. Each brigade team consists of four anglers with the best three scores counting each day. Fishing, which was from 1030hrs to 'lines up' at 1600hrs daily, was conducted from four chartered boats, all with knowledgeable local skippers. Each morning anglers reported to their boats at 0900hrs under the watchful eye of the day's nominated boat steward, who was responsible for safety and ensuring that all competitors obeyed the rules and only eligible fish were recorded on score cards. From 0930hrs to approximately 1020hrs each day competitors were allowed to fish for fresh bait, which thankfully was in good supply. Fresh mackerel and some sand eels were a welcome addition to each angler's bait box for the day ahead. Of course the wily old fishermen among the competitors had not left this to chance, with many having stocked up some days before with other baits such as ragworm, lugworm, squid, razor fish and crab. To each his own! Fishing conditions were far from ideal throughout, with 35kph winds, heavy seas and slow rollers. This, however, did not dampen the competitors' enthusiasm, with the customary slagging being heard each morning in Crosshaven as competitors boarded their boats. Because of the weather boats were sometimes unable to reach their preferred fishing hotspots and were confined to 'marks' within the more protected greater harbour area, two to three miles out. In spite of this fishing was good with twenty different species being landed over the three days. Points are awarded for each species and for each fish. A maximum of ten fish of any species are allowed on any given day. Once a competitor catches ten fish of one species he must target a different variety. Anyone catching seven or eight species on a day's fishing could be considered to be having a good day, with one particular angler managing 12 different species on day two (no names to protect his modesty!). Individual and team scores were calculated each evening and posted for all to see. This meant that everyone know who to watch for on each boat for the following day's fishing. After day one the Southern Brigade team had a slender lead, but one which they managed to hold on to until the end of the competition. An Cosantóir Dec 2012/Jan 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie CQMS Jeremy Power with Pollack Fish hooked with CQMS Power Cod by Sgt D O'Shea 1st (Team) 1 S Bde (Score: 796.23%) CQMS P Barry (Ord Sec, 1 LSB), Sgt D O'Shea (D Res), Cpl T O'Regan (Ord Sec, 1 LSB), CQMS J Power (D Res). 2nd (Team) 2 E Bde (Score: 737.36%) Sgt T O'Neill (5 Inf Bn), Sgt G Condran (2 Inf Bn), Sgt M Martin (Ord Sec, 2 LSB), Pte D Clancy (Ord Sec, 2 LSB). Individual 1st Sgt G McCabe (28 Inf Bn) 2nd Sgt G Condran (2 Inf Bn) 3rd Sgt D O'Shea (D Res) Score: 287.76% Score: 287.71% Score: 281.69%

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