Angling Notes: Thanks to the generosity of pike anglers nationwide, many charitable organisations are in line to receive huge financial windfalls.
Following a series of competitions over the last three weeks, pike anglers dug deep to raise thousands of euro towards worthy causes.
The extravaganza began last Sunday week with a boat competition on Lough Ramour, Virginia, Co Cavan. This is a big lake of more than 1,500 acres and most of 34 boats participating opted for trolling dead baits. Joe McDermott from Longford took top honours with nine pike for 47.2kg, heaviest 10kg.
The competition raised €1,400 and this amount will be forwarded to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin.
By far the biggest fundraiser took place yesterday in Blessington, Co Wicklow, as hundreds of anglers converged on Poulaphouca Lake to compete in an open pike competition hosted by Newbridge & District Pike Anglers Association.
Now in its 10th year, this event has, to date, raised more than €100,000 and the organisers are confident last year's figure of €22,000 can be surpassed when the final figure is announced later this month. The National Children's Hospital in Tallaght, Co Dublin, will be the sole recipient.
I travelled to Lake Muckno, near Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, on Saturday week at the invitation of Des Chew from Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI). This pike competition was a joint effort between the central and eastern regional fisheries boards and DAI to raise funds for the Aware charity.
The grounds at Hope Castle overlooking the lake came alive from early morning as 48 anglers checked in before descending on nearby White Island. Here, almost every vantage point was occupied as anglers settled in for a five-hour stint. Bite detectors, triple-headed tripods, plugs, dead baits, spoons and spinners were in evidence in an attempt to lure the elusive pike (Esox lucius).
A word regarding the volume of litter I witnessed on White Island. Beer cans, papers, cardboard boxes, even sacks of rubbish were everywhere. The otherwise scenic island was strewn with rubbish and not a litter bin in sight. This was the only downside on an otherwise very enjoyable day.
Back to more mundane matters. Paul Bourke from the CFB set up shop on the shoreline with his traditional soup and rolls, tea and coffee, and, for the first time, sausages and rashers! All very welcome on a day of near-zero temperatures. And it was all scot-free. Many thanks, Paul.
Two good-sized brown trout were landed on red-tipped silver spoons and returned. Darren Breen from Belcamp, Dublin, held the lead for most of the day with a 4.1kg pike; Bill Malone also from Belcamp, landed one of 2.3kg and Des Chew (DAI) caught a "tiddler" of .9kg.
Honours on the day, however, went to Thomas Duffy with two fish for a total weight of 5.1kg. Thomas hails from Dundalk and is fisheries officer with the eastern board. He is also a member of the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA).
Back at the magnificent 18th-century Hope Castle for festivities and prizegiving, Pat Doherty, acting chief executive officer of the eastern fisheries board thanked competitors, guests and sponsors for making the day a resounding success. George Kelly, sales director with Millard Brothers, received special mention for his contribution of Shimano prizes. The Aware charity is expected to receive €2,000 from the Muckno event.
Oughterard celebrates opening of Lough Corrib trout season with a competition this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event is sponsored by Oughterard Vintners and competitors may fish one or all three days.
Registration fee is €5 and heaviest single trout winner will receive €500.
For further details contact Frank at 087-971 5300.
Don't miss Ireland's largest angling show this weekend at the National Show Centre, Cloghran (close to Dublin Airport). With up to 100 exhibitors, visitors will be spoilt for choice with the latest tackle and clothing ondisplay. This year more than 500 square metres is allocated to Pilot House Boats for sea, lake and river fishing.
Doors open at 10am until 5pm both Saturday and Sunday and admission is free for under-15s. Tickets for seniors cost €5 and adults €10. Contact Pat Burns at 01-2448709 or 087-2330804 for further information.
