Anglers already hooked on world's richest coarse fishing competition

The world's largest prize for a coarse fishing competition went up for grabs this morning as Lakeland & Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championship got underward in Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan. A total of 132 pairs of highly competitive anglers will be vying for top prize. The registration and draw evening on Sunday, September 9 buzzed with excitement, with current and former world champions, national champions and classic winners among the participants. The practice events went extremely well and the expectation of a fish-filled week had increased particularly at Crom in Fermanagh. Catches over 20kilos were regularly recorded and over 30kilos also registered at Crom. Norma Herron of Waterways Ireland welcomed the anglers saying: "We are delighted at the calibre of angler registered in the event and the level of competition this will generate. "The lakelands region of Ireland is an unparalleled match fishing venue, and the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championship is an ideal opportunity to establish the superb wild coarse angling available here in the minds of the new generation of angler. "This competition will provide a great boost to the local economy and we are eagerly anticipating the crowning of the World Pairs Angling Champions at the conclusion of this event." Kevin Locke, event organiser said, "The practice opens in Cavan, Fermanagh, and Monaghan have fished superbly. The anglers have given excellent feedback on the catches especially from Crom. Several 30kilo weights have been caught and numerous catches over 20kilos. It bodes well for a really great week of angling on Ireland's Inland Waterways." Daily results will be posted on www.anglocelt.ie. The event is sponsored by Lakeland & Inland Waterways, a marketing and product development initiative of Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Fermanagh Tourism, NITB and Shannon Development.