Savage take on a Bulldog as all hell broke loose with a super Derravaragh pike

Pike angling guide Michael Flanagan sends us this report:

DERRAVARAGH PIKE TAKES THE BAIT.

I teamed up with younger brother J.J. and my daughter April last Sunday for the Murtagh Cup on Derravaragh.It was J.J. last competition as he is heading to Lebanon this week. The day started wet and cold, and never improved as we trolled some wonderful colored Lures. Eventually J.J. got a savage take on a Bulldog, and all hell broke loose, as we battled with a super Derravaragh pike. The fish was very lightly hooked, and I got one chance to net our prized catch and made no mistake. The fish weighed an impressive 20lbs 4oz, and looked every bit of it. Frank McKeown rattled the scales with another fine pike of 16lbs 6oz to take 2^nd place with Johnny Corcoran and daughter Alanis 3^rd with 16lbs 4oz.Alanis also scooped 1^st place in the junior section. Presentation took place back in Murtagh and it was a magical evening with a huge open fire, and fantastic soup and samages. Naturally washed down by a few pints. Conor Murtagh presented J.J with the Murtagh Cup, and Liam Gilsenan on behalf of Derravaragh Angling Association thanked Conor and staff for a wonderful evening and wished J.J. all the best on his trip overseas, and a safe journey.

MOFFATT CUP & CHRISTMAS COMPETITION…

November 18^th is penciled in for the Derravaragh Anglers Christmas Competition. Plus we will fish the Moffatt Cup on the same date. In the coming weeks we will have more on this, and if there are any changes we will publish in time. All club members will be contacted by Text message in the coming weeks.

PIKE ON THE LURES.

In recent years Lure fishing with jerk bait rods has really taken off, and there is a huge array of colorful hard and soft Lures in all shapes and sizes. I lashed a few out on our Midland lakes last weekend with Marty Smith from England and managed a few small pike. Marty was only over for a few days, and once again enjoyed his stay in Kerrigan’s B&B in Harbour Street. Over the two days fishing we only had pike to 6-7lbs, but they were in mint condition, and gave us cracking sport. Saturday was tough with a very cold sharp breeze blowing across the Lake, and to be honest we only fished for a few hours as the rain started, and when your wet and cold, and not much fish on the move its really hard. On Sunday we ventured to Lene on a crisp bright Morning, full of great ideas about landing some huge Lene Winter pike. It was certainly not the case, as we trolled for many hours, and only got one hit, and I lost this fish. Still the Countryside looked amazing coming into November, and the quality of the water was crystal clear.

LOUGH BANE ROCKING AND ROLLING.

This coming Saturday night Lough Bane Anglers will hold their Annual Social Night and Fundraising draw. Its taking place in Teddy Pub, Moylagh, Co. Meath, not a million miles from Collinstown Village. All proceeds from the night will go towards the Stocking program and Development work on Lough Bane. Tickets are on sale at 3 Euro each and first prize in the draw is 500 Euro, certainly a nice early Christmas present. So if you fancy a night out drop into Teddy Pub, Music by Matt Leavy, with refreshments, and spot prizes also that night.

Michael Flanagan
Pike and Trout angling guide.