“Big Mama” that’s how the boys from Toptackle described the cracking 27lb pike they caught on a popular Cavan Lake. They were luck to land this beauty as just as it went into the net the fish shook its head in anger and out slipped the Reaction Strike Bass Harasser from its mouth. Noel O’Connor also captured the attention of Jarlaith Gallagher of Rinn-Shannon & District Angling Club while out fishing last Tuesday when he captured another fine pike weighing 24lb on Lough Rowan. On the same lake Water Keeper Anthony Egan played and landed a 20.5lb fish.

"Catch of the Week" winner Michael O'Sullivan of Waterville with his 20lb Salmon
"Catch of the Week" winner Michael O'Sullivan of Waterville with his 20lb Salmon

Brilliant weather and co-operative fish were the order of the day at the Fishmaniak event on February 24th at Lough Egish in Co. Monaghan. 24 contestants caught 21 pike on spinners lures and deadbaits. The two best fish measured 95cm and 86cm. Later the contestants rounded the evening off with a barbeque at the Lake View pub where prizes were given out.

Not a lot of news from our Sea Angling friends. Damien Burns landed a fine lure caught bass near Tramore. While across the country in Kinsale, Mike Dennehy of Kinsale Charters tells us of Dr Kamran Shah who caught a specimen coalfish on a soft plastic lure aboard the Silver Dawn last Sunday. The fish weighed 18lb and put up a good fight.

Things are beginning to liven up on the Salmon front. The Munster Blackwater report the arrival of springers and the first fish of the season was caught on Saturday by Gary Byrne from Dungarvan on a spinner. Sea-liced and weighing 9.65lb, it was Gary’s first ever salmon and his first time to visit Blackwater Lodge. The river is now fining off nicely, and there is already a good head of spring fish through the system even to the upper river.

The river Moy also yielded it’s first fish of 2013. The Salmon was caught by Donegal native Brendan McMenamin, weighed 5lbs and was caught using a worm on the Ballina Salmon Anglers’ water in Ballina Town. Delphi too had it’s first Salmon of 2013 taken on a Willie Gunn Tube. The honours fell to David Dunne who landed this 10.5lb salmon from the Whin Pool. It’s second salmon was caught by Mr Otter. Don’t remember selling that four legged creature a licence !!

The Drowes records two more salmon weighing 9lb and 8lb respectfully. With upcoming spring tides this week, hopefully they will bring a good numbers of springers into the fishery. With daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 4°C Lough Melvin was very quiet. I can’t say the same for Lough Currane. Michael O’Sullivan from Waterville landed a whopper of a Salmon. His trolling rod went off like a rocket with 20lbs Salmon on the end of the line. Michael and the fish fought, but the Kerry man won. For such a marvellous fish, Michael also wins our “Catch of the Week”. Well done.

Tight lines,
Nancy Hearne
Catch, Photo, Release

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Sunset on the river Barrow - picture by Roly Byrne