There is no shortage of pike in the Portumna area this month due to huge shoals of coarse fish in the area reports Mike Murray of Murray’s Angling Services …
Huge shoals of Roach, Hybrids, Bream and Perch have been congregating between the Salmon Run and the entrance to Lough Derg. Pike are capitalising on this with numerous fish being landed by Pike anglers although they are presenting a problem for silverfish anglers who are constantly having Pike hit fish as they are being reeled in. I have been out several times and had fish taken by Pike several times per outing.
Finn, a Pike angler from Kidare, landed several pike but in addition a surprise out of season Trout of 8lb+ took his silver spoon. This was quickly returned to the water. Anglers are reminded to carefully release any trout caught during their closed season.
Mike Murray
Murray’s Angling Services
Go fishing in Portumna…
Murray’s Angling Services
Portumna
Tel: +353 (0)909759596 Mobile: +353 (0)873121595
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.shannonfishingholidays.com
and www.murraysireland.com
Guidelines for handling pike
Download: Pike Handling and Conservation [.pdf 850 KB]
When landed, the fish should be laid flat preferably on a protective mat and the hooks removed with a suitable tool such as long handled artery forceps or a long nosed pliers. Anglers may find it useful to wear protective gloves. Sometimes it can be easier to release the hooks by working very carefully through the gill covers.
The use of pike sacks can be used for the short time retention of fish enabling them to recover prior to weighing or photography. When weighing and photographing fish, the pike should be cradled and supported properly to avoid injuring the fish. A pike sized weigh sling should always be used if the fish is be weighed.
When being released, the pike should be held carefully in the water to promote recovery until it is ready to swim away. At all times, the pike should be returned to the water in the shortest possible time.
