Diamond’s win opens five point lead

The winner used bait on the night while runner up was Philip Maguire (lure) and in third, fly fishing, was Tommy McGrath. Best junior turned out to be Joseph Spiers, also on the fly.As a result, Diamond now moves into a five point lead ahead of Philip Maguire 48pts, Tommy McGrath 41pts, Patsy Harkin, 38pts and Brian Bigmore 36pts.

It was with delight that local anglers learned that Roly Stockman from Tobermore caught the first salmon of 2012 on the Moyola River. Fishing along with his grandson Scott, he landed a lovely clean fish about 4lb which Roly duly returned to the river.This was witnessed by Jack Chapman and Philip Maguire. Later that same day, Wesley McClenaghan caught and released a similar fish of the same weight and on the Monday evening, Brian Bigmore landed and let go a salmon of about 3.5lb. It is great to see these clean fish in the river so early and all anglers please remember that this year is catch and release for salmon.

The Moyola and Mid Ulster Angling Clubs will be holding their annual Charis Charity Open competition on Saturday, June 23.Taking place from 2pm to 6pm, venue is Lough Fea.Afterwards, there are refreshments,a raffle and prize giving up at Charis.

This event is being sponsored by DCAL who are stocking the lough with some fine brown trout. Next club competition on the Moyola River will be for the Jack Lennox Cup on Monday June 25.Starting at 7pm, all taking part should meet at the Moyola Bridge in Castledawson.

Finally, anyone wishing to go on the annual away trip to Fermanagh on August 4 and 5, should give their names to Tommy McGrath as soon as possible.This is necessary as there are only twenty places on the trip this time round.