The Annual Aidan McLaughlin Memorial Cup Pike Fishing Competition was held by the Dromore Angling Club on Saturday.
The Competition took place at Belnaleck in Co. Fermanagh. The weather conditions were good if not a little on nippy side, with the temperature rising to only 3°C. After a crisp, frosty start the first pike was caught by Darren Dickson, a fine fish of 11lb 2oz which was going to take some beating! However, the second fish was soon hooked by Dean Irvine, and after a tough ten minute fight this beast tipped the scales at a magnificent 17lb 2oz.
This seemed unbeatable but these competitions do not end until the whistle blows. Not to be outdone, Darren caught a second pike of 8lb 2oz, leading the competition by a mere 2lb 2oz. Despite Dean’s best efforts and a dropped take in the last minutes of the competition, he could not catch Darren’s total. Darren therefore won the competition and received the perpetual trophy until next year, but Dean received the award for the largest fish caught as well as the award for second place, which was an ample consolation prize.
All fish were released in good condition to fight another day.
