Simon McLarnon was in touch with a report of some tough fishing on Saturday on Lower Lough Erne.
The Aidan McLaughlin Memorial Cup Pike Fishing Competition took place at Muckross Loughshore Path, at Kesh on Lower Lough Erne.
Twelve competitors were expected but only six could make it on the day. Fishing conditions were tough with a chilly onshore breeze in the anglers faces all day, hampering casting and blowing equipment and the odd mobile phone into the Lough!
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Fishing was slow with a single 5lb pike caught by Simon McLarnon who won the tournament and prize for the largest pike in a single stroke. A few of the other competitors had dropped runs and missed bites, but the pike simply were not interested today!
Thank you to Barry McGovern of Dromore Fishing Tackle for sponsoring the event and providing generous prizes, and to Dean Irwine and the members of the Dromore Angling Club for organising and running the event.
The National Biodiversity Data Centre has a number of initiatives aimed at protecting Ireland’s biodiversity. One programme seeks to tackle the problem of invasive species, something that poses a serious threat to our environment, including all our waterways. Over the next while, we’ll be featuring some content from the NBDC, aimed at engaging and informing anglers about invasive species and what we can do to combat their spread. The latest message is below, with more to follow over the coming months.
Personal Biosecurity Kits – The new essential tackle box
Tackle boxes and fishing kits come in all shapes and sizes and the same can be said for biosecurity. Tackle boxes are essential for protecting gear and keeping everything in order and packing a personal biosecurity kit helps anglers in protecting the natural environment.
Personal biosecurity kits contain key tools that help anglers to Check Clean Dry all gear and clothing. It is the must have item to protect the sport we love by stopping the spread of invasive species!
“Personal biosecurityrefers to the measures taken by an individual to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading invasive species through potentially contaminated clothing, equipment and gear.
Even the most basic and simple biosecurity measures are effective, stopping the spread of invasive species. You do not need many items in your kit to practise good biosecurity.
Here is an essential shopping list for a personal biosecurity kit:
Stiff scrubbing brush
Quick drying towel
Hoofpick
Washing up bowl/container
Pump sprayer/spray gun
Method
CHECK all clothing and gear for any visible material. Using the hoofpick and brush, scrub and remove any mud/plant matter off gear and clothing. Any visible material that is removed, leave on site.
CLEAN your gear in the washing up bowl using the sprayer of freshwater (add disinfectant to the sprayer if you cannot fully dry your equipment) and empty the bowl away from the water course or storm drains.
DRY all clothing and equipment at home for as long as possible.
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Note: If you cannot clean at the site, you can pack away your clothing and gear in a laundry bag (or something similar) and clean with hot tap water when you return home, before entering a new waterbody.
Following a biosecurity routine before and after your fishing trip shows good practice to others who visit these water bodies regularly. For more information visit: Angling – Invasives.ie
Florent from Pike Pro Ireland, a guiding and accommodation business on Lough Derg, sent us in a report of a recent day’s pike fishing on Derg.
Quiet Morning
We enjoyed a calm and peaceful day on the water in mid-February, with a gentle drizzle and no wind—a perfect setting for a quiet fishing trip. The morning started slow, with only a few small pike making an appearance, testing our patience.
Afternoon Action!
But the afternoon was pure excitement! The pike were hungry and active, and we ended up landing 8 pike, including 3 over a meter and 3 around 90+ cm. The star lures of the day were large softbaits and jerks, which brought some spectacular strikes and unforgettable action.
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It was a day that reminded us why we love pike fishing—sometimes it takes a little patience, but the rewards are incredible.
If you’d like to experience a guided pike fishing day like this, check out our website and book your adventure here: https://www.pikeproireland.com/contact
Pike Pro Ireland, a company dedicated to organising pike fishing holidays in Ireland, based on one of the country’s most renowned fishing areas: Lough Derg and its surrounding waters.
Our aim is to offer authentic, well-organised and productive fishing experiences, whether for experienced anglers or for those discovering Irish pike fishing for the first time. With a strong knowledge of the local waters and seasonal conditions, we help anglers make the most of the exceptional pike fishing Ireland is famous for.
We provide tailor-made, turnkey fishing stays, including comfortable accommodation, access to selected fishing spots, either independently or with professional guidance.
Every stay is designed to combine efficiency, comfort and enjoyment in a preserved natural environment.
We place great importance on personal service, reliability and a genuine passion for fishing, ensuring each guest enjoys a memorable and rewarding angling experience in Ireland.
We also offer the rental of fully equipped boats and belly boats, perfectly adapted for pike fishing in Irish waters. Each boat is carefully prepared to ensure safety, comfort and efficiency on the water, and all the essential equipment needed for a successful fishing session. ( live jacket, pliers, net, measuring board, sonar, anchor, drift anchor …)
With the arrival of meteorological spring on 1 March, the past week has brought largely settled conditions across Ireland, with plenty of dry weather, cool nights and some pleasant sunny spells during the day. Some areas, however, experienced extended periods of rain, keeping water levels persistently high. While early season salmon and trout fishing remains relatively quiet, as is often the case at this time of year, more trout fisheries have recently opened or are due to open shortly, which should see activity increase in the weeks ahead.
In his latest Piscari-Fly newsletter, Peter Driver highlights some early-season trout action and reports on the TAFI All Ireland Banks, recently held at Laois Angling Centre. He also previews the upcoming angling fairs in Ireland, offering information that will be of interest not just to game anglers but to the wider angling community.
Early season trout success
In the meantime, there have been some encouraging reports from pike and coarse anglers, with a number of good catches reported despite the still cool water temperatures and elevated water levels.
We received a report from Alex, who enjoyed some entertaining bank fishing for pike on the Shannon near Tarmonbarry, while the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs shared the results of their recent qualifier on the River Barrow, which produced some solid catches, including a few doubles. To wrap up our pike section, we’d like to highlight Steve McDonagh’s latest YouTube video, showcasing an incredible session on a Co. Meath pike venue…definitely worth a watch! While on the topic of YouTube, don’t miss episode 5 of “Fly vs. Jerk”, going live this evening, where you can see how the Irish team Wildhunter performed on the final day of this prestigious competition.
Decent bags were caught at the final round of the VDE Baggers winter league
Finally, over to sea angling, where reports have mainly focused on shore-based fishing in the southwest, with charter boat activity remaining limited.
A new angling community has been established by James Raymond of Irish Angling Adventures, aimed at organising friendly meetups at various fishing venues along the south and west coasts. Last weekend, the Irish Angling Adventure Community met for the second time at Fenit Causeway, a well-known shore mark in Kerry. The outing produced plenty of whiting for all participants, with a beautiful 83cm undulate ray providing the highlight of the day. If you’d like to join the community to explore new venues, learn a few tricks, or simply meet like-minded anglers, check out Irish Angling Adventures.
Our Catch of the Week, however, goes to David Norman of Angling Adventures West Cork, who enjoyed a fantastic start to the season fishing for thick-lipped mullet, including two specimens over the 55cm mark!
Specimen Thick-lipped
David Norman with one of his thick-lipped mullet
Other news
Angling guide and casting instructor Dan O’Neill got in touch to let us know that APGAI Ireland has launched a new website. The updated site makes it much easier to get in touch with APGAI instructors and includes links to social media channels, as well as details of the events APGAI Ireland will be attending and what will be on offer.
With the arrival of spring, angling activity on Irish waters is set to pick up. In this context, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is reminding anglers and watercraft owners to help prevent the spread of invasive species by thoroughly checking, cleaning, and drying their boats and equipment when moving between waterways.
And now the weather
Tonight will be dry with clear spells at first, though some cloud will spread in from the south and west towards morning. Temperatures will fall to between -1 and +4°C, remaining a little milder along Atlantic coastal areas.
The weekend will start largely dry, with Saturday bringing sunny spells and just the chance of a few isolated light showers. Conditions will turn more unsettled on Sunday, with plenty of cloud and rain developing in the west and spreading eastwards later in the day.
Looking ahead to next week, low pressure is expected to dominate, bringing changeable conditions with spells of rain, breezy weather and occasional brighter intervals, while temperatures will generally range between 8 and 12°C.
Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.
Ever wondered what it takes to become an APGAI Ireland casting instructor or fly tyer? Or perhaps you are looking for an instructor or guide in your area? The APGAI Ireland website has had a complete overhaul and is now packed with useful information.
The website not only features a list of our members and the services they provide, but also includes a blog page where you can read articles from some well-known anglers and members of APGAI Ireland. The syllabi for casting and fly tying are also available to view, including both qualified and advanced levels.
The new site makes it much easier to contact one of our members and begin your APGAI journey, should you wish to do so. You will also find links to our social media channels, where we will share updates on the shows and events APGAI Ireland will be attending and what we will be offering there.
With many fly fairs coming up across Ireland, be sure to follow APGAI Ireland on social media for the latest news. If you have any questions about becoming an APGAI Ireland member, the new website provides all the information you need to get started.
When APGAI Ireland attends fairs, there are often opportunities to book time with some of our instructors, whether you want to improve your casting or even try your very first cast. It is a wonderful and valuable opportunity.
The fly tyers within APGAI have a vast amount of experience and, like all our members, they are passionate about helping others succeed. Nothing means more to us than hearing that you have caught your first fish, or perhaps even landed one on a fly you learned to tie with the help of one of our members.
I look forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming shows.
Dan has been guiding on the River Nore from the age of 14. He holds a wealth of knowledge in many different techniques. Dan provides guiding for Trout, Salmon and coarse fish.
All levels from beginner to experienced are welcome.
Available for guided trout and salmon fishing in the South East
Fly Casting Instruction
Dan is a APGAI Ireland qualified single handed fly casting instructor. All levels from beginner to experienced are welcome.
Dan also holds regular fly fishing classes on the River Nore for groups and individuals.
With the arrival of spring, angling activity on Irish waters is expected to increase. In this regard, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is reminding anglers and watercraft owners to help prevent the spread of invasive species by carefully checking, cleaning and drying their boats and equipment when moving between waterways.
Anglers, boat owners, cruisers, sailors and other recreational water users such as kayakers, canoeists and jet-ski operators are being asked to follow the Check, Clean, Dry biosecurity protocol, including the following measures:
Check: After leaving the water, inspect boats, equipment, clothing and footwear for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything found and leave it at the site.
Clean: As soon as possible, wash equipment, clothing and footwear using hot water. Pay particular attention to ropes, bilges, trailers, the inside of boats and any damp or hard-to-reach areas.
Dry: Drain and dry all parts of the craft, trailer, equipment and clothing before leaving the site and allow them to air dry for at least 48 hours where possible.
IFI is also asking the public to help protect and conserve Ireland’s fisheries resources by reporting incidents or suspicions of illegal fishing to its confidential phone line 0818 34 74 24.
The final round of the VDE Baggers AC Winter League took place last Sunday, with the rivers in great condition, carrying a little extra water but steadily dropping. A couple of new sections were pegged for the match and, with plenty of fish showing, most anglers enjoyed some excellent sport, making it a great way to wrap up the league.
Ewan Weed had a cracking day’s fishing to close out the league, weighing in 8.870kg to win the Ballyconnell Boards and secure the overall league title with an incredible 8 points. A superb performance and top angling.
The race for the remaining top spots was extremely tight going into the final round, with plenty still to play for. The low section of Bellanaleck Marina was won by Jack Tisdall with 5.130kg, putting him on 12 points overall. Aaron Hutchman also finished on 12 points after weighing 5.430kg from the Belturbet Boards section and just edged Jack into second place overall on weight.
Maciej Paul Bober also produced an excellent performance on the Boards, fishing the feeder to weigh 7.200kg, a great result on the day.
The battle for fourth place overall was equally intense. Paul Hutchman finished third in the match and third in section from the very competitive Black Path stretch with 9.680kg. In the end, A. Gregg secured fourth overall with 13 points, while Paul finished fifth on 15 points, just edging Paul Eyres into sixth place on weight.
The top two weights on the day came after a proper battle between Bartłomiej Szmytkowski and Daniel Singleton, with Bartek taking the honours with just under 11kg. A great display of match fishing from both anglers.
The Corraquil Lock section also fished extremely well, apart from one difficult peg for Eddie G. Michał Truck had a superb day on his new pole and landed 6.900kg of roach to win the section and secure seventh place overall.
A special mention also goes to young angler James Wellwood, who fished brilliantly from peg 1 on the marina, catching quality hybrids late on the feeder to finish second in section and claim the final prize position. An excellent performance from a young angler against a very strong field.
Overall, it has been a fantastic league with a great turnout, averaging over 22 anglers per match. It was also great to welcome some new junior anglers to the club, as well as newcomers Shane Stock and Niall Murphy who were completely new to match fishing this year and achieved some excellent results. A good number of anglers from the Erne Anglers also joined throughout the league, creating a brilliant atmosphere and strong competition.
Exciting times ahead for the club and it will be interesting to see what the future holds.
Alex from Brazil sent in a report from a recent trip to the River Shannon at Tarmonbarry, Co. Longford. He enjoyed a very productive day, landing five pike, including a nice fish of over 90cm. All the fish were in excellent condition, with healthy, fat bodies and vibrant colours.
The river remains high and in flood, with very dark water, but the weather was mild at around 12°C, making for a thoroughly enjoyable day on the water. Alex described it as a fantastic outing and was delighted with both the conditions and the action he experienced.
At last, the anglers were treated to windy but dry conditions. Sixteen competitors took part and enjoyed a good day’s fishing, with Tommy Dowd landing a fine tench — well done Tommy!
Thanks also go to Dean, Seannie and Brian for their hard work in organising the event. Appreciation is also extended to Brendan and the staff at the The Blackthorn for the excellent breakfast.
Section Winners
A Section:Mick O’Connor – 4lb 3oz B Section:Tommy Dowd – 3lb 8oz C Section:Dean Murray – 3lb 14oz
After some tough blanks over the winter the mullet finally decided to feed here in beautiful West Cork, well for a few hours anyway… Four landed during an afternoon into evening session, two over the Irish Specimen thick lip length size of 55cm, which should relate to 5lb +. Standard feeder tactics used, with Mr Brennan’s finest white bread on a size 8 hook. Looking forward to more mullet action by various means as the season progresses and the weather hopefully improves…
Get in touch to arrange your Angling Adventure…
Go fishing…
Contact me now to arrange your Guided Trip or Workshop – Mullet, Pollock, Bass, Wrasse,
Fly or Lure, Kayak or Shore, plus Junior Coarse Fishing. [email protected]
David has been lure then fly fishing since the mid noughties with some of the best guides and anglers in Ireland and abroad.
Kayak fishing by lure & fly now takes him and his guiding guests beyond the shore to target Pollock, Bass or Wrasse with the chance of other species such as Codling, Coalfish, Mackerel or Garfish.
Shore fishing at night is also a very special experience.
