Mossley Mill and Three Mile Water Angling Association Competition
As a club we hold friendly, fly fishing, angling competitions, on Mossley Mill Dam, in aid of various charities. This year's charity competition was in aid of SHINE an organization that supports families of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
As I said a "friendly", catch and release, competition but hotly contested by the anglers involved. After three heats, held during the week, the successful anglers, from each heat, went through to the final on Saturday. The weather that greeted us, on Saturday, was stormy but, at that stage, dry with the strong wind blowing into the anglers faces, not great for fly fishing.
The hour and a half competition is held with position changes every 30 mins to give the anglers access to different areas of the dam. With the high wind everyone struggled to get a line out, even the seasoned anglers were cursing the wind. The first fish was landed after 20 mins with several fish being lost on the barbless flies. At the first change over more fish were landed and released, leading to tight fight for the lead in the final session. Fifteen minutes into that final session the sky darkened and a severe hailstorm lead to an early finish to the match.
At the final tally, in 1st place was Jack McMurtry, 2nd Gavin Acheson and in 3rd Jim Beattie. Prizes were presented by our chairman Mr Paul Beggs who also presented the "Wooden fish" to the angler who failed to catch in the heats, Paul Cosgrove.
Our thanks go to all the members, and their families, for their donations towards this worthy cause. Also thanks to the businesses, Shelly's Diner, Glengormley, The Wok restaurant, Glengormley and Mid Antrim Angling Centre, Ballymena for their contribution to the prizes for the day, much appreciated.
In all a great day was had, despite the inclement weather, with over £700 being raised for the charity. We are looking forward to the next one.