‘The Italians are the Formula One of the fishing world. They’ll be coming in their Armani suits’

Angler Michael Patton became the first Irishman to win back-to-back gold medals as part of the Home Nations Boat team. The Donegal native is now looking forward to the World Championships, which will be held in Bundoran this September.

The Home Nations Boat Championships is a two-day competition between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Ireland won the tournament in Portrush last year and defended their title this summer. Consistently high individual scores by the five-man team saw them transform a Day One deficit of 8% into a 36% win margin. It’s been a dominant angling season for Ireland, winning the Home Nations Shore Championships in Wexford.

Q: How is the winner judged in boat angling? Is it most catches, weight, length... Do different species of fish count for more?