Angling guide Mick Flanagan reports on a day out with Czech client Miro: Well, that was another very changeable day with wind, rain, hail & sunshine. Hard going at the pike today but landed a few nice fish including one that took a shine to my wedding ring.
The best fish just short of 100cm and super pike for Miro on the fly. I pushed out the boat into calm bay just after lunch, and in about 2-3 ft of water, I saw a disturbance and a cloud of silt. Miro said it was a Beaver (they have Beavers in Czechia). I seen & I said yes, Justin Beaver…. A few casts and Miro had some battle with his Beaver pike.
Notes: Here at Midlands Angling we provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Some of our top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. On these splendid lakes we provide full Gillie services. Also the River anglers are well catered for, as we spend many days out on the River Inny, River Suck, and Brosna system.
Cork Sea Angling Club are hosting a fundraising open in aid of the RNLI on the Slob Bank in Youghal on Sunday, 26th April. Details are in the graphic below:
Senan Stanley of Senan Stanley Fishing has been busy on the water and in the editing suite and has two super videos from Lough Derg for you to enjoy…
Fishing for Trout, Perch and Pike on Lough Derg in Ireland
30/03/26: Join me on the stunning waters of Lough Derg as I target trout, perch, and pike using a variety of fishing methods! This session is all about adapting techniques, exploring different setups, and making the most of what Irish waters have to offer. Whether you’re into lure fishing, float fishing, or predator tactics, there’s something here for every angler. On this channel, I focus on *multi-method fishing**, showing how different approaches can help you catch more fish in different conditions. If you love fishing adventures, learning new techniques, and discovering beautiful locations, you’re in the right place!
Predator Fishing Guided Tour with Senan Stanley
26/03/2026: Join me on an epic Predator Fishing Guided Tour with Senan Stanley as we target some of the most aggressive freshwater species using a variety of proven techniques! In this video, Senan Stanley explores the best strategies for predator fishing, including lure fishing, casting techniques, and how to locate fish in different conditions. Whether you’re into pike fishing, perch fishing, or lure fishing, this guided session is packed with tips, action, and real fishing insight. My channel is all about exploring different fishing methods, learning new techniques, and sharing real angling experiences from the bank and boat. If you’re passionate about fishing or want to improve your skills, you’re in the right place.
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.
The CM Lakelands Feeder Club held a club match on the exposed Houghtons Shore at Lough Garadice, where anglers faced very cold and windy conditions. Despite the weather, there was steady action throughout, with plenty of bites and a mix of roach, skimmers, and occasional bream being caught. The competition at the top was exceptionally close, with only grams separating the leading three weights. Damian Foltyn secured first place with 4.640kg, made up of roach and skimmers. Mariusz Kilian followed closely in second with 4.600kg, also catching a combination of roach and skimmers. Third place went to Charlie Richards, whose catch included a bream along with smaller fish for a total of 4.560kg.
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Thanks were extended to Charlie Richards for organising and running the match.
The Erne Anglers Winter League Final was held in extremely challenging conditions, as 24 qualifiers faced a rising River Erne and gale-force winds—far worse than those experienced in earlier rounds.
Andy Gregg secured victory and the £300 first prize with a winning weight of 6.775kg from peg 20 at Derrychara. Greg Bojczewski finished runner-up from Schools peg 8, weighing 6.450kg on the whip to claim £200. Third place went to Johnny McKinley on Bellanaleck peg 4 with 6.125kg, also earning £200. Paul Boothby topped the final section from Ring peg 9 with 4.250kg, winning £180.
Section runners-up each received £150: Artur Bojczewski (Bellanaleck Low) with 5.850kg, Mike Tesar (Derrychara) with 4.600kg, Wayne Fuller (Ring) with 3.450kg, and Rob Bell (Schools) with 4.675kg.
In what has quickly become a fixture of East Coast club angling, near neighbours Ballybrack SAC and Ringsend Irishtown AC slugged it out for bragging rights on Kilgorman Beach over the weekend. Ringsend were the title holders, which didn’t sit well with the Brackers, and they were determined to wrest the trophy back this year. Unfortunately, the fishing wasn’t great, but the competition showed what is best about the club angling scene, as anglers from both clubs went at it full throttle, but all in a spirit of fun and camaraderie. I’ll leave it up to the clubs themselves to describe the action, as both have detailed reports on the day’s events, here (Ballybrack) and here (Ringsend). More of this, please!!!
This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the VDE Baggers Facebook page:
Seven members of the VDE Baggers braved extremely harsh conditions on the River Erne, facing cold temperatures, strong winds, and rising water levels. Despite promising catches reported earlier in the week, the river had risen by 3.5 feet, making fishing far more difficult than expected.
Five anglers positioned on the jetty made a strong start, catching roach steadily on the whip. Meanwhile, Aaron and Maciej Paul Bober targeted perch on the feeder.
The decisive moment came in the final 30 minutes, when Maciej experienced a magic turnaround, as bream moved into his peg. Landing three large fish, he secured a winning weight of 6.5kg and took first place.
Second place went to Shane Stock with 4kg, continuing his impressive progress since taking up match fishing recently. Caolan King claimed third with 3.1kg, maintaining his reputation for consistency in challenging conditions.
A full report and more photos can be viewed on the VDE BaggersFacebook Page.
The Monasterevin & Daingean Match Anglers first match of 2026 attracted an impressive turnout of 31 anglers, a strong showing for a canal event in March. Conditions were extremely challenging from the outset, with heavy rain throughout the morning and strong winds that intensified to near gale force once the match began. Although the rain eased, the relentless wind made fishing difficult, affecting both presentation and basic control of equipment.
Despite the adverse weather, anglers managed a respectable catch overall. Small roach were present across the entire stretch, providing consistent sport. Mark Alcock of East Belfast secured first place with an excellent haul of nearly 100 fish, finishing with a winning weight of 5lb 5oz. He narrowly edged out Bob Hulme of MaD Matrix, who took second place with 5lb 3oz, also consisting largely of small roach. Just 2oz separated the top two, highlighting the competitiveness of the match.
The section showed clear potential, with many anglers agreeing that improved conditions would produce even better results. Appreciation was extended to those who prepared the venue, as well as to the hosts at the Blackthorn for their hospitality.
Noel's 'Fish of a Lifetime' from Lough Owel, wins this weeks COTW
Kilbride Anglers Club member Noel Bennett was in touch to tell us about one of those days to remember, fishing with fellow club member John Doyle:
A Day to Remember on Lough Owel
Some days on the water test your resolve; others reward it in ways you never forget. Yesterday on Lough Owel gave us both.
I set out in the company of my good friend John Doyle under a sky that promised little kindness. A biting wind swept across the lake, whipping up cold, restless waves that made every drift a challenge. Not far away, Kieran Garvey and Martin Kearney battled the same conditions in another boat. By lunchtime, between us all, not a single fish had come to hand. The fishing was dour, the elements relentless.
Seeking some refuge, we tucked into what shelter we could find along the shoreline. There, in the lee of the storm, spirits were revived with Martin’s famous rib-eye steaks and a shared bottle of red wine—a moment of warmth and good company in an otherwise unforgiving day.
Refreshed, we pushed back out into the elements. The wind still howled, and the lake showed little sign of easing, but we persisted, searching for any pocket of calmer water. Eventually, we found a degree of shelter along the lee side of the lake and resumed casting—more in hope than expectation.
As the afternoon wore on, conversation turned toward calling it a day. Then, in an instant, everything changed.
John’s line tightened sharply, the surface of the water erupting in a powerful swirl. I knew immediately—this was no ordinary fish. Quickly retrieving my own line and securing my rod, I prepared to assist. John, still unsure of what he had hooked, played the fish steadily as it surged away, then dived deep, using its weight and the conditions to its advantage.
“Take your time,” I urged. “Don’t rush this one.”
The fish kited across the surface, and as the sunlight caught its flank, the truth revealed itself—a truly exceptional trout. Any doubt vanished. This was something special.
Again, it bored deep, even passing under the boat, forcing John to plunge his rod tip beneath the surface to avoid the line catching the engine. Inch by inch, he gained control, patiently working the fish closer. Finally, with one last effort, the great trout slid into the net—just barely contained.
We called over to Kieran and Martin to share the moment. The scales told the story: 13.19lb in the net. With the net later weighing 0.73lb, the fish itself came in at an incredible 12.46lb.
Fish of a lifetime for John Doyle
For John, it was the trout of a lifetime—his biggest ever. For all of us, it was a reminder of why we brave cold winds and hard days: for moments like this. A tough day transformed into an unforgettable one, and a story that will be told for many years to come.
The best fish just short of 100cm and super pike for Miro on the fly. I pushed out the boat into calm bay just after lunch, and in about 2-3 ft of water, I saw a disturbance and a cloud of silt. Miro said it was a Beaver (they have Beavers in Czechia). I seen & I said yes, Justin Beaver…. A few casts and Miro had some battle with his Beaver pike.
