2007 EUROPEAN SPECIES CHAMPIONSHIPS IRELAND 15TH & 16TH APRIL

2006 EUROPEAN SPECIES CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, Ireland 15th & 16th of April

The 2006 EFSA European Species Championships were held over the Easter Weekend at the picturesque location of Kilmore Quay which is situated in the south east of Ireland. The target Species for the event was Cod. The venue is becoming popular for big Irish events, having an excellent fleet of charter vessels, and facilities for launching smaller boats. The area provides excellent fishing for a variety of species, enjoying protection from the Salty Islands a few miles offshore

The Championships were supported by 62 competing anglers from Ireland, England, Wales and South Africa, the competitors being taken to sea in 9 local charter boats at 9am on Saturday morning.

Day one saw a tight battle at the top of the leader board. English angler Gary Galbraith was leading with 12 fish taken on a small pirk, followed by Irish anglers Michael Clarges with 11 fish and Dave Carolan with 10.

Day two was a much better day with many more fish boated, a number of anglers switching to pirking. A total of 464 cod were caught, although large numbers of pollack and coalfish were in Evidence, making it harder to find the target species. During the event all fish were returned to the sea alive.

The competition was tight with a number of class results being close at the finish.

The presentation of prizes took place in The Wooden House Lodge Hotel and was attended by Minister of State for the Marine, John Browne who made the presentation. In his address he was high in his praise of the local charter fleet and the event organisers.

The final results were:

Individuals

International Teams

Ladies

Two Man Open Team

Four Man Open

Four Man Executive Team

The longest cod of the championships was 72cms ( approx. 8 lbs ) caught by EFSA Ireland Treasurer Christy Cloak.