There can only be one winner.

It is almost upon us.

The 60th World Trout Fly Championship on Lough Mask, County Mayo.

Finally.

First fished back in 1953, the then Castlebar Trout Anglers Association and An Tostal [early Gathering] competition was considered one of the first international sporting events in Ireland.

And it has survived (casts net for cliche) in spite of economic hardship.

Denis Kelleher says:

From a peak of 820 competitors we are down to numbers in the region of 450. The disposable income isn’t in people’s pockets anymore but this event which has survived a closure due to foot and mouth and the ‘rod war of ‘89’.
It is estimated the four day event is worth in the region of €1million to Ballinrobe and its surrounds. Pubs, hotels and restaurants will all contribute in some way to the event”.

Rod war?

*snigger*.

Anyone?

World Cup Trout Fly Fishing 2013