Christmas comes early for Pike and Perch anglers on Lough Ennell

ENNELL CRACKERS. Last week I ventured out on Ennell for two days trolling with Angling pal Martyn Smith.Martyn is over from England monthly on business in Ireland, and we always get a few days fishing done. On Friday last we broke ice heading out on Ennell, but it was certainly worth the effort. We trolled lures all day, and after lunch Martyn hit two super pike, one up on 15lbs, and the other pushing the 18lbs mark. The pike were in mint condition, and the bigger fish, was a short powerhouse, and gave a great scrap before being unhooked and released. On Saturday we decided to try Ennell once again, but the weather had changed a bit, and there was a brutal raw wind blowing across the lake. The only pike of the day fell to Martyn and it was caught on a Bass Harasser 8 inch rubber lure.

Later on Saturday evening the sun broke through the clouds, and we ventured out deep for Perch. Here we boated 5 nice fish, and I picked up a small Perch hard on the bottom in 56ft of water. The sport of Perch fishing in winter months is really taking off, and Ennell will produce some Specimen Perch in the coming weeks. All you need in light Tackle and a few rubber Jigs, and get them down deep. Over the Christmas break I will do a special feature on Perch fishing, and give readers an insight into this growing sport. Please note, Pike & Coarse regulations are in place on Ennell, and if any angler is concerned about Illegal fishing, water pollution, or invasive species please call 1890-347424.`

Michael Flanagan
Pike and Trout angling guide.