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The Cyprus International Angling Festival October 2009 Limassol
THE Cyprus International Angling Festival is held over two weeks in early May and October and for many years has attracted match anglers from all parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
This unique competition, which has grown in stature in recent years, originated in 1994 is centred around Limassol and generates between 50 and 75 competitors and together with family and friends can regularly see almost 200 people making the twice-yearly trip.
The ever-changing water levels are a constant headache for organisers setting out sections on the sometimes difficult terrain. The 2009 event was staged on Aspro, Germasogia and Polemedia Reservoirs, with anglers given special permission from the local Mayors office and the Fisheries department to use Germasogia which was officially closed to angling. After suffering in the recent low-water crisis, Kouris, usually a favourite venue of many was left out.
The matches, although fierce at times, are always held in a holiday atmosphere on the sunshine island. The daily events are based on the weight of fish taken in a given time, this is usually five hours. The superior fighting qualities of the wild carp here are always a talking point and continue to be a test of tackle and angler with every visit.
However, unlike the fate of the vast majority of the Carp, Roach and Bass seen taken from waters across the island, ALL are returned ALIVE after every match.
On week one Polemedia duly obliged with several 60lb-plus bags of carp and the continuing solid start saw mixed nets of roach, carp and some surprise cat-fish between 20lb and 30lb-plus almost commonplace from Yermasoyia.
Local resident Simon Levy was just pipped for top place by previous festival winner Nigel Bull even though both men had a 4pt total. The Shakespere rod had a the weight advantage of just 8lbs over the week, however this was reversed on week two with Simon taking the silverware with an impressive 3pt total and a weight of 1621b.
F or the second time in 2009 the participating anglers donated 100 Euros to help towards local charitable schemes organised by the Municipality of Germasoyia.
The focal point for anglers for the weekly draw and results in Limassol is the Highlander Family Pub and Apartments 00357 99604555, which has hugely supported the festival for many years.
Transport adequate enough to tackle tough terrain is essential. Special thanks go to the Mayor of Limassol and the Fisheries Dept.
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