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Killybegs Mariners winter league action at Mullaghmore

By
IFI staff
-
Mullaghmore beach
Mullaghmore beach

Killybegs Mariners report from their latest winter league outing fished at Mullaghmore…

Mariners league outing number 9 took place under calm conditions on Mullaghmore with a sharp cold breeze to start the night that faded away into more pleasurable weather as the night went on.

Plenty of fish from the off as the rod tip was nodding almost as soon as baits hit the water, but the problem was most were under our 20cm minimum size limit so that anglers use bigger baits and hooks to stop the targeting of small fish and deep hooking. Plenty of small whiting for everyone and dabs, trout and coleys for the lucky few boosting their species count.

The end pegs further over had most of the counting size fish with flounders to 28cm for Chris but the winning longest flattie prize was won by Daragh McGuinness with a 21cm flounder. In 2nd overall with 3 counting flounder, dab, coley and whiting and 179 pts was Pat Cunningham. And in 1st place with 4 counting flounder along with dab, coley and whiting for 197pts well done Chris Whyte who leads the league overall with 3 left to fish. Well done to all the winners and everyone out taking part.

The next Mariners league outing (number 10 of 12) will take place this Saturday December 6th as a daylight outing on Silver Strand

Guided Predator Angling delivers big pike in tough conditions

By
IFI staff
-

Guided Predator Angling, based in Enniskillen, reported some strong results over the past few days, with several clients landing quality pike despite challenging conditions. On one particularly tough session, there were only three runs—yet all three produced fish. The highlight came in the final 30 minutes, when the best pike of the outing finally took the bait and lifted spirits all around.

The team noted that the wildly changing weather hasn’t made things easy, with a mix of snow, rain, frost, brief warm spells, and more rain and frost cycling through. A bit of settled winter weather would go a long way, but even in these unsettled conditions, the fishing continues to deliver.

Go Fishing

Location: Enniskillen, NI
Phone: +44 7756 222271
Email: guidedpredatorangling@outlook.com

 

Big November pike for Michael with Angling Services Ireland

By
IFI staff
-
Fine 107cm autumn pike for Michael

Bodo Funke of Angling Services Ireland reports…

Michael from Germany, one of our most frequent and loyal guests, returned for a quick November trip. Despite generally challenging late-autumn conditions, the fishing did not disappoint. His impressive 107 cm pike came late in the day, but it certainly made the session and put a perfect finishing touch on the outing. The fish smashed his Westin Swim lure, which proved to be a solid choice throughout the trip. Over the course of his three days with us, Michael landed several more quality pike, making it another memorable visit.

Go Fishing

Bodo Funke, Angling Services, Ireland

Pike, Game and Coarse fishing Guide

Notes: Angling Services Ireland are based in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, in the North-West of Ireland, an area with many superb angling opportunities.

The Proprietor Bodo Funke holds the Marine and Countryside Guiding Certificate (achieved with distinction) and his expertise and local knowledge will be to your avail when you go on a guided angling trip or angling holiday with Angling Services Ireland. Pike fishing, Fly-fishing for Pike, Game fishing for wild Brown Trout, Float- tubing, Coarse fishing. Salmon fishing and Sea-angling can be organised.

Address: Angling Services Ireland, 3 Canal View, Deerpark, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Telephone/Fax::+353 71 9663580 or +353 86 6011878

Email: info@anglingservicesireland.com

Website: www.anglingservicesireland.com

 

 

Coarse fishing tough on Leitrim lakes

By
Paul O'Reilly
-

Cavan CAC held their fourth league match of 25/26 on a Leitrim lake last weekend. Ten anglers fished, but weights were not great due to horrendous weather – but at least there were no blanks! Anthony Sparrow landed the golden peg, but unfortunately for him, he tied for 1st with Colin Moffitt. That’s the last match for 2025 for the Cavan club; they will resume in February, although there might be a Christmas match before the end of the year if there are enough willing participants.

  • 1st Anthony Sparrow/Colin Moffitt
  • Section A Gary Rogers
  • Section B Lee Symonds
Also in Leitrim were the CM Lakelands Club, who held an open feeder match on Houghtons shore, Lough Garadice, on Sunday. Fourteen anglers fished in cold conditions, and only a decent haul of skimmers got into the top 4. Mariusz Kilian won the match from peg 60, catching some nice skimmers and hybrids at distance to weigh 5.800 kg. 2nd overall was Nytro Angler Richard Pratt, who had a mixed bag of skimmers and roach fishing at distance to weigh 4.600 kg from peg 47. 3rd overall was Andy Butterfield, who caught some nice-sized skimmers to weigh 4.150 kg from peg 53. Irish Feeder boss Brenton Sweeney made up the top 4 with a weight of 3.900 kg of skimmers, roach and perch to get in the main frame.

SECTION WINNERS

  • 46 to 55 Damien Folytn 2.925kg
  • 56 to 65 Kevin Norcliffe 2.775kg

Coarse angling around Leitrim

 

Dromod/Rooskey Pike Angling Club Open Boat Comp this Weekend

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

The Dromod/Rooskey Pike Angling Club will be hosting their Darragh Healy Cup Open Boat Competition this weekend. Details of the competition are given below:

IFPAC announces date & venue for 2026 Boat Competition

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

IFPAC has announced the return of its Boat Competition this February, building on the success of last year’s event. The upcoming competition is expected to be even stronger, featuring improved organisation, an excellent venue and the same enjoyable atmosphere that made the previous outing so popular. Anglers of all experience levels are invited to take part, test their skills and enjoy a friendly, competitive day on the water with pike anglers from across the country.

Full event details — including date, venue and entry information — are provided on the official poster. Participants will meet afterwards in Murtagh’s Pub in Aughnacliffe.

Eric Gasparro wins Leinster League at Kilcoole

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

Report below is summarised from the South Shore SAC Facebook Page:

The final day of the 2025 Leinster League, fished at Kilcoole, opened in bright, calm conditions, with several anglers—Wayne Hamilton, Paul Tyndall, Anto Scanlon, Eric Gasparro and Ciaran Fogarty—still in contention. The junior title race between Phillip Kennedy Ryan and Luke Kinsella was also extremely close. Spirits were high among the 40 competitors at check-in, where Ciaran Fogarty drew the coveted Peg 40.

Fishing began at 1 p.m., but despite the clear sea, anglers faced a strong tide run and heavy grassy weed. Early catches included flats for Ryan Blair and Eric Gasparro, while in Zone B, Ciaran was rumoured to be finding valuable dogfish. Weed caused major issues, even dragging one of Eamonn Bermingham’s rods into the surf—requiring a successful but soaking retrieval.

Fishing remained slow overall. In Zone A, Ryan Blair’s late surge, including a dogfish, secured him the zone win with six fish, followed by Eric Gasparro and James Ryan. In Zone B, Ciaran Fogarty dominated with 11 fish, including several dogs and a standout 35 cm flounder, giving him both the zone and overall win. Alan Mulcahy also had 11 fish for second, with Eamonn taking third.

Junior angler Phillip Kennedy Ryan produced a superb eight-fish performance that would have won an adult zone. Luke and Sean Kinsella also fished strongly. Pool winners included James Ryan (36 cm bass), Stephen Byrne (33 cm flounder), Alan Mulcahy (42 cm coalie) and Ciaran (35 cm flounder).

Once tallied, Eric Gasparro was crowned the 2025 Leinster League champion after an impressively consistent season. Phillip Kennedy Ryan claimed the Junior League title by a narrow margin ahead of Luke Kinsella.

The Leinster Shore and Southshore SAC Committees thanked all anglers for their support throughout the year, noting over 100 participants across events. Dates for the 2026 Leinster League will be announced soon, with more sponsored events and increased prize money planned.

Sam Stirling wins Ulster Krakens Open Competition at Waterfoot

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

Report below summarised from the Ulster Krakens Facebook Page:

On Saturday, 29 November, the Ulster Krakens Open Competition returned to Waterfoot. Reports from the previous two weeks had been poor, with storms leaving the beach heavily covered in weed. Committee members monitored conditions closely, and a local angler provided updates throughout the week. After inspecting the venue early on the day, the committee confirmed that although part of the beach remained full of weed, the opposite end offered clear and fishable water.

The peg draw began at 1 p.m. in the Mariners Bar, where anglers gathered for some banter before heading to their positions. Fishing commenced at 3 p.m., and early action was slow, with few flatfish being landed. As darkness fell, attention shifted to round fish, and seven bass were caught across the beach. Junior angler Layton Finlay landed the biggest at 37 cm, while Paddy O’Boyle earned the title of “bass bandit” with four bass.

Sam Nicholl remained on the end peg after peg 1 went unused, and Sammy on the opposite end peg delivered a strong performance, including a 39 cm coalie. On peg 17, Raymond McCann landed a notable 35 cm flounder. With little information circulating among competitors, results remained uncertain until lines were lifted at 8 p.m. and scorecards were tallied back at the Mariners Bar.

The organisers expressed their thanks to all participants and to Josie McLaughlin of Causeway Bait and Tackle for generously sponsoring prizes.

Overall Results
• 1st – Sam Stirling: 29 fish, 714 points
• 2nd – Ally Nicholl: 28 fish, 657 points
• 3rd – Craig Henderson: 27 fish, 630 points

Junior Section
• 1st Overall: Layton Finlay – 5 fish

Prize Winners
• Longest Round: Sam Sterling – 39 cm coalie
• Longest Flat: Raymond “Fish Whisperer” McCann – 35 cm flounder

Species caught included flounder, turbot, dab, coalie, rockling, pollock, codling, whiting, bass, and dogfish.

The organisers offered congratulations to Sam Stirling on a well-deserved win and expressed hope to welcome everyone back next year.

Tough day on the banks for Enfield Coarse Anglers

By
Shane O'Reilly
-
Royal Canal

The fifth and final round of the Royal Enfield Winter League took place last Sunday in freezing conditions along the canal. Fourteen anglers participated in what proved to be a very disappointing match, with only a handful of fish caught. Mark Leonard won the day, followed by Pat Bartley as runner-up. They were, unfortunately, the only two anglers to land any fish.

Leinster extended its congratulations to Mark Leonard as the overall League winner. Enfield expressed its appreciation to all anglers who supported Brian with swim-cleaning throughout the league, including Michael O’Connor, Mark Leonard, Griffin Anderson, and many others. The club also thanked all league participants for their continued support.

Sunday’s Results
1st – Mark Leonard
2nd – Pat Bartley

Overall League Standings
1st – Mark Leonard (4 pts)
2nd – Pat Bartley (5 pts)
3rd – Conor Browne (6 pts)
4th – Jeff Morrison (8 pts)

Mark Leonard receives his trophy


The Leinster Fur & Feather competition is scheduled for Sunday, 14 December, with further details to be announced shortly.

JP Molloy wins Ardmore’s John Cronin memorial competition

By
Myles Kelly
-
Ballyquinn Beach
Ballyquinn Beach

Liam Fraher reports for Ardmore SAC…

On Saturday evening (29 November) the club held our very first John Cronin memorial competition, held on Ballyquinn beach from 4 till 8pm. Sixteen eager anglers made their way onto the beach with varying tactics in mind. Into fish from the first casts were Mochara Fraher and Jimmy Kelly, but it was a quiet start for most other anglers.

Once darkness fell the fishing picked up with dogs, painted ray and whiting being brought ashore. A nice ray of 79cm was caught by Jimmy Kelly and a bull huss of 65cm for Pat Buckley saw them take the pools. Jordan Muir was picking away steadily on some nice whiting, finishing in 3rd place. After a slow start Pat Maher found the fish late on surging up the table to finish in 2nd place. Some things are just meant to be and a very close friend of John’s no other than JP Molloy bagging up 12 dogs to take the win. A very fitting winner for the night it was.

  • 1st JP Molloy
  • 2nd Pat Maher
  • 3rd Jordan Muir
A special thanks to the Cronin family for presenting the shield on a cold and dark beach car park.
A special thanks to the Cronin family for presenting the shield on a cold and dark beach car park.

Thank you to all that attended and we will look to build on this year on year making it bigger and better.

Go fishing…

Ardmore Sea Angling welcomes new members. Make contact via their Facebook page.

John Cronin Memorial Shield
John Cronin Memorial Shield
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