A round up from the Midlands from Michael Flanagan

Michael Flanagan sends us the Midland’s report:

GRIFFERTY PIKE TAKES THE BAIT. On Sunday November 18^th up on 40 Anglers ventured out on a cold and wet Derravaragh and competed in the Philip Moffatt Memorial Cup. Also on the day Derravaragh Anglers hosted the Christmas pike competition, and many prizes were up for grabs. It was certainly hard going and Ballinagall Angler Damian Grifferty taking Top rod wit ha fine pike of 9lbs 6oz. Barry Darby finished 2^nd with 9lbs 3oz, and Castlepollard Angler Pat Finglas 3^rd.Jack Darby won the junior section with Swords Angler Joe Cannon 2^nd.The presentation took place back in Weirs Pub Multyfarnham, and a great evening was had by all. Tanya Moffatt daughter of the late Philip presented Damian with the Moffatt Cup, and Liam Gilsenan of Derravaragh Anglers presented the Christmas competition prizes. Derravaragh Angling club is open to new members and you are more than welcome to come on board in 2013.Give me a shout and I will give contact details.

LENE ANGLERS. Last week Lough Lene Angling Association officers hosted their last committee in the May Pole Lounge in Collnstown.On the night proceeds from the Chairman pair’s competition was presented to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Samantha Scally received the cheque on behalf of the Alzheimer Society from Lough Lene chairman Tom Fagan, and thanked the Lough Lene Anglers for their support. I whipped out to Collinstown and photographed Lough Lene Angling Association officers presenting the cheque.

HOOKED ON FISHING. On Sunday Morning Mark Ryan and nephew Robbie Conneely met me on the shore of Derravaragh at Donore, and we were looking forward to a trip down the Inny River. I was surprised to see a few Anglers Out & About on such a cold Morning, and Karl Meehan was Derravaragh Boat Hire, was getting a few boats ready for the day. It was not long before we were drifting down the river and it was in flood, but dropping and quite clear. The only problem when the river is dropping fast from a spill of rain. Is that you are traveling very fast in the currant, and miss a lot of good fishy water. No matter we had a cracking day out and boated 7 pike up on 6lbs weight, and missed a lot more. Mark even managed a pike on the fly, and the lads will be back quite soon to have another go on the Inny.

MIDLAND PIKE ANGLERS. Midland Pike Anglers will hold their Christmas Pike competition on Sunday next December 2^nd.It will be fished from 10-30am and finish at 4-30pm.The venues is Boderg Lake near Dromod Co, Leitrim. Check in at Dromod Harbour, cash prizes down the line for heaviest pike, plus spot prizes. Entry fee 25 Euro Per angler. All competitors must have suitable livewell tanks. More on this please contact Barry Darby on 083-3769618, or Joe McDermott on 086-8623838.

Michael Flanagan
Pike and Trout angling guide.