The Newbridge and District Pike Anglers held their annual Open Competition on Poulaphouca Lake near Blessington last weekend. They are a very proactive club, and they always try to encourage younger anglers to participate. They were hoping for a big attendance at the event, and when they saw the numbers thronging into the car park at the meeting point, they knew it was going to be a bumper turnout. A quick headcount before the competition got going revealed that 94 senior anglers and 46 juniors had made the trip, and that was twice the number of juniors that attended last year, so well done to all involved in helping the next generation enjoy a bit of fishing ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘.

Pike never really like it when the water levels in a fishery rise very quickly, and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened as a lake that was looking quite low on Saturday rose significantly overnight due to the downpours of rain which hit the country and from the snow melt of the surrounding mountains. So, as a result, the fishing was quite poor, with only 12 fish landed, but at least there was a bit of quality, as 7 of those fish were doubles, including a super 11.08 fish for Kacper Potega.

Despite the lack of fish, it was a great event, and heaps of prizes were given out thanks to the multiple sponsors. There’s a full report and tons of photos on the Newbridge District Anglers Facebook Page.

Senior Results:
1st Chris Wyatt 13.10 hf 1 fish
2nd Daragh Fay 12.05hf 1 fish
3rd Dermot Murphy 11.15 2 fish
4th Colm Kenny 10.11 1 fish
5th Brian Bolger 10.05 1 fish

Junior Results:
1st Kacper potega 11.08 1 fish
2nd William Mc Loughlin 2.14 1fish