Cork man reels in record-breaking catch 

Eight Cork anglers have been recognised in the 2024 Irish Specimen Fish Report, with one man reeling in a new record for his unusual find.

The annual report, detailing almost 500 exceptionally large fish caught by fishers last year in Irish waters, showcases each one with their catches, which were all measured, weighed, and released.

Recognised for his record-breaking catch, Cork man Patrick Lombard was featured for his 4.37kg Gilthead Bream, caught at Clonakilty Bay. It surpassed the existing record for a Gilthead Bream catch by more than half a kilo.

Several other Corkonian’s were also recognised in the report, including Evan McGovern, who was awarded the 20 species award; Jason Convery, John Higgins and Paul Twomey, who were each awarded the 10 species award and Jason Convery and Donal Domeney, who were both awarded the 50 specimens award.

Additionally in Cork, Amy O’Brien was awarded the Dr A.E.J Went Award/Young Specimen Angler of the Year for her catch of a 9.07kg Carp from The Lough, and Clinton Rachman was awarded the Fish of a Lifetime Award for his catch of a 38cm Shore Rockling from Ballycotton Bay.

“The 2024 report shows the diversity of fish species available to anglers in Ireland, and where and when they can be found,” said Dr William Roche of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), who is also the secretary of the Irish Specimen Fish Committee (ISFC).

“The results last year were very encouraging, as the number of specimen catches reported was relatively high.

“By providing a wealth of information about the abundance of large fish in Irish waters in the past 12 months, the report should give anglers a head start for 2025.”

The ISFC, which is mainly supported by IFI, is an independent all-Ireland voluntary body which verifies and records the capture of large fish caught with a rod by anglers in freshwater and marine waters.

The featured fishers will be further recognised at the 2025 ISFC Specimen Awards Day, which will be held on February 15 at 2.30 pm in the Clayton Hotel in Leopardstown.