Markus Muller reports that the pike fishing in the Foxford area continues to produce the goods…
A group of anglers lead by Frank Knossalla from Andree’s Angelreisen, one of Germany’s biggest angling tour operators visited the Foxford area and enjoyed spectacular fly fishing for pike. The group stayed in one of Mt. Falcon’s Lakeside Lodges (www.mountfalcon.com) and was guided by expert pike guide, Kenny Sloan (www.pikemania.co.uk).
The group fished several lakes in the area including Lough Conn where they had their two biggest pike of 100cm and 103cm! They also caught and released many pike in the 75cm to 90cm range.
Frank Knossalla stated that he had fished many places for pike but the quality fishing he experienced on Lough Conn ranks amongst the best he has seen. He further described the area as a paradise for the pike fly angler and hopes that the efforts of Andree’s Angelreisen will attract more tourist anglers particularly after the trout season is closed.
Go fishing with Kenny…
Kenny Sloan has become synonymous with big pike in the Foxford area. Kenny can guide you on the big wild waters around him Conn and Cullen but he also has a lot of smaller waters at his disposal and even if the wind blows he always has some where to fish making your break as productive as possible.
Web: www.pikemania.co.uk
Treat yourself to some luxury accommodation…
The Luxury 4 star Mayo hotel Mount Falcon is located on the west bank of the River Moy, 100 acres of magical woodlands, between Foxford and Ballina, in North County Mayo, a most beautiful part of the West of Ireland.
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.
