Congratulations to Patrick McManus and Joe Crampton who are the European Pike Angling Challenge champions of 2025. The event was fished on Lough Derg and over 110 anglers on 55 boats took part. There was some great fishing had and over 222 pike over 70cm caught across the 2 days of the competition with 30 100cm plus pike confirmed.
1 of 3
Patrick Mcmanus and Joe Crampton
Each team’s 3 longest pike combined over the two days were used to determine the rankings. Patrick and Joe had an incredible total length of 309.5cm. They had some fine pike on Day 1 but it was their fish from Day 2 that gave them the win. They collected over €3000 in prize money and were presented with the coveted Christy Pickford Memorial Cup.
1st Patrick Mcmanus / Joe Crampton. 309.5cm
2nd Brian Connaughton / Daniel Nesbitt 308cm
3rd Alan Ryan / Josh Collopy. 304cm
The top 3 teams picked up €6000 between them
In addition to the usual 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes there were thousands of Euro in cash prizes given out, both nights, for the top 10 longest fish of each day. The longest fish caught overall also won a prize. The longest pike overall measured in at 108cm, and there were two pike measured at this length. Both fish were caught on Day 1 and anglers Damian Culliney and John Taylor split the €1000 purse.
Damien Culliney collects his half of the Longest Pike prize.
For a flavour of the competition have a look at Senan Stanley’s videos of Day 1 and 2…
Anglers Paradise Ireland is owned and managed by Damien Culliney, a well known angler and chef in the Clare region and a man passionate about the inland waterways and natural history of County Clare. At Angler’s Paradise, we love the thrill of Game fishing and Pike fishing in equal measure and can take our clients to some of Europe’s most unspoilt rivers and lakes in search of trophy predators and the realisation of their angling dreams.
Pike fishing on Lough Derg. Boat hire, accommodation, fishing guide. Ferdinand is 3 times winner of the European Pike Challenge fished annually on Lough Derg
Based on the shores of Lough Derg Giblins Angling Services provide everything for the perfect angling holiday from accommodation to boat hire and guiding. Padraig and his brother Eamon (2 fine & experienced anglers), will give you some very good fishing information to help you to catch the best fish.
Boat Hire
Lake boats and 4hp engines available. Life jackets provided
Directions to Fishermens Paradise:
Take the R352 road from Scarriff towards Mountshannon.
After approx. 1 mile there is a statue of a fisherman on the right and signs toour new outdoor centre “Derg Isle”.
Go through the gates to the end of the road to the boat house.
Guided salmon, trout, sea trout, pike and bass fishing
Notes: John Scanlan has been fishing in the Limerick and Kerry region for the past 47 years and has developed an excellent knowledge of the local rivers, lakes and beaches. He provides a fishing guide service for the Limerick, Kerry and Clare regions, offering guided salmon, trout, sea trout, pike and bass fishing; Autumn/Winter pike fishing and salt-water fly-fishing. John also offers fly-casting tuition for beginners and improvers.
Irish Fishing Tours provides customised fishing holidays based in the picturesque harbour village of Garrykennedy on the shores of Lough Derg. Our comprehensive fishing trips include a guiding service, tackle hire and food and accommodation.
Choose from my list of existing fishing holidays or contact me to tailor one to your specific requirements. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.
Irish Fishing Tours is owned by Paul Bourke. Paul has lived and fished here all his life. As a guide, he will show you the best fishing locations, advise you on baits and methods and then allow you the freedom to explore the lake yourself. He fully understands the needs and interests of the experienced enthusiast.
A Holiday park set in a unique natural location on the shores of Lough Derg in Mountshannon, Co. Clare. We specialise in Caravan & camping, Watersports and boat hire, with the added attraction of viewing Cribby Island, home of the ‘white tailed sea eagles’ from our lakefront pitches or discover Holy Island by boat. Our Red squirrels will enhance your experience at the park, but they won’t share their nuts!!
Our houses are located directly on the shores of Lough Derg. You will only have to walk to the end of the garden to start fishing. We have a private pier and also supply bait fridges and tackle storage on site for anyone interested in fishing. We have several Anglers Fancy 19ft lake boats build by John Meaghar, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. The heavy gauge of fiberglass used in their construction makes them safe and stable.
When two friends with the same passion join forces – then you can expect only the best! Ireland – the land of pike, trout and amazingly beautiful scenery, the prime destination for the big pikes trout and perch. Our main waters are the Lough Derg and the river Shanon in Ireland. – two Pro Fishing Guides, ONE PASSION!
Our goal with guiding is to offer our guests an unforgettable fishing experience! Ideally also with the dream fish. It is possible to break your record on these waters. Of course there is no guarantee. Fishing for big pike, perch and trout is always hard work and luck has to be right. But fishing for predatory fish is pure adrenaline. The hammer-hard bites from nowhere, the fantastic drills. That’s what you have to experience!
We take care of the fishing licenses, the holiday home and have safe, fast and comfortable guiding boats to take you to the best places. You can fully concentrate on fishing. So that at the end of the day hopefully also your dream fish was caught.
Boat Hire
Do you want to explore the wide open spaces of Lough Derg by yourself? Now it’ s possible with our top equipped rental boat. From day trips to week-long stays, it’s all possible. For groups of up to 3 anglers.
Guided fishing for pike, trout and perch on Lough Derg. Fishing from a custom fitted Sheelin boat with all modern electronics including live scope, gps electric trolling motor etc
For enquiries and bookings get in touch via Facebook or Instagram.
