The fishing and the weather were well-matched last week, and it was hard going on some of the lakes with blustery condition and heavy rain from time to time. I tried Sheelin once again last week, and managed a fish of 2lbs. Hopefully the weather will settle mid week, and anglers will get some serious May Fly-fishing. Lough Lene is producing some cracking trout, and hatches of Olives and Buzzers have the fish in a feeding frenzy. Ennell Anglers are gearing up for the first competition of 2012, and reports of May Fly hatches have anglers out on Ennell. We have a super photo of an Ennell Trout caught this week by Mark Moran from Tower View here in Mullingar. Plus Kinnegad Angler Barry Leech banked his first salmon from the River Moy.

LENE BUZZING. I did 3 days on Lene last week and met some great angling characters while Out & About on the Lake. Hatches of Olives and Buzzers have the trout in a real feeding frenzy, and if you get the right drift you are in business. Mark Ryan of Hooked Live had some good brownies on dry Fly, and really enjoyed his day on Lene. I also bumped into Gerry McCormack of Dundalk, and he had 3 lovely fish.

Lene Anglers were busy on the competition scene of late and Club Chairman Tom Fagan won the Peadar Caffrey Cup with a trout of 1.28kg, in second place was Paul Owen with 1.26kg, and 3rd Ken Murray 1.14kg. Philip Keena of Mullingar was top Junior Angler with 1.88kg.

On the pike scene on Lene Joe O’Donnell from Trim won the Wardell Cup with a pike of 2.48kg, 2nd place was Niall Oakes from Ginnell Terrace, with 3rd place Aggie McGrath. Natasha Darby from Kinnegad topped the junior section.

ENNELL. Ennell Anglers are gearing up for their first trout competition of the season. On may 27th we will fish the Rex Beaumont Cup. It’s an 11am start and finished at 7pm, check in Whitebridge Bay. Fly Only and new members welcome on the day.

ENNELL TROUT. Young Mark Moran of Tower View rattled the scales on Ennell lately with a super trout. Mark was fishing with dad Nigel when all hell broke loose. The deadly Duo were Trolling along the Belvedere Shore when Mark landed his prized catch.

OWEL NEWS. Last Saturday staff from Inland Fisheries Ireland hosted their Fishery Awareness day at Tullaghan. Dermot Broughan of IFI told us it was a huge success, and on the day the Irish International Youths team members were on hand to give lessons on fly-casting and fly tying. Lough Owel will host the International Fly Fishing Championships on August 1st 2012. More on this in the coming weeks. Teams from England, Wales and Scotland will do battle on Owel against the Boys in Green.

FIRST SPRINGER FOR BARRY LEECH. Top Kinnegad salmon Angler Barry Leech has banked his first Spring Salmon from the River Moy. The fish was in mint condition and weighed an impressive 12lbs 5oz. Barry is planning another few trips in the coming weeks, and hopefully he will catch a few more Bars of Silver.

SEA FISHING. We have some very keen Sea anglers here in the Midlands, and I have just got word that Howth Sea Anglers are looking for new members. Derek Evans is PRO and can be contacted on 087-2409135. Also you can check it out on www.howthac.com

THAT’S IT. Yep that’s it for another Angling Report. All going well next week a few pics of Trout caught on the May Fly. We also hope to get back into the pike fishing, and have a few new lures for Testing. Tight Lines Till next week.

CONTACT. MICK 087-2797270 E- MAIL MICK@MIDLANDANGLING.COM

Yes we have a mixed back this week, just like the weather of late. On Sunday we fished the Jimmy Nally Cup in calm conditions, until evening time, and the wind picked up shortly after 4pm. Earlier in the week I had a super evening on Lene with Marty Smith, landing quality brown and rainbow Trout. We also spent a day on Sheelin and despite seeing some huge trout on the move we only managed one small fish. Still it’s early days as the May Fly are starting to appear. I also photographed a light aircraft rising from Sheelin, now that’s some catch. The Brosna River is still quite low as is many waterways, but Hughie McDonagh banked a fine brown trout last week. On the pike competition scene it’s flat out as we head into the May Fly season, and I am going to miss a few pike competition, as May Fly Madness sets in.

HUGHIE LOVES HIS FISHING. Over the years I have met Hughie McDonagh Trotting worms along the Brosna River, and he does catch some lovely trout. Last week he banked a beautiful coloured fish from a popular stretch of the River. The River is still very low, but if you spend some time stalking the Hot Spots, you might just land a fish likes Hughie’s. One tip is to walk the river on a nice bright calm day, with Polarize glasses, and you will be quietly surprised to see what species of fish are lurking in the Brosna system.

LENE TROUT ACTION. Marty Smith dropped over from England for the May weekend, and we spent a few hours on Lene. The lake is fishing well for Trout, and some beautiful conditioned rainbows, and brown trout are being caught on the Fly and Troll. If the weather settles and we get some nice warm evening fly anglers will have some sport on this fantastic North Westmeath Fishery.

MAY FLY STARTING TO APPEAR ON SHEELIN. I lashed flies out on Sheelin last Saturday from early morning till late evening, and despite seeing some huge trout we managed to boat only one small fish. May Fly are starting to show on Sheelin but the bigger fish were moving on Buzzers and Olives as far as I could see on Saturday. This will change as the May Fly hatch gets going, and some huge trout will be caught. Reports of Trout up on 9lbs on the fly were reported over May weekend. The best catch I had on Saturday was a photograph of a plane dropping in on Sheelin. I am not a great one for heights, but it would be a fantastic way to see all over lakes and rivers on a nice sunny day.

JIMMY NALLY MEMORIAL CUP ON DERRAVARAGH. On Bank Holiday Sunday May 6th Derravaragh Anglers hosted the Jimmy Nally Memorial Cup. Sadly this Derravagh Angling Legend passed away some years back, but I reckon not a conversation comes up about Derravaragh with Jimmy Nally not mentioned. We started the day in warm bright conditions, and even though a nice hatch of May Fly were popping up fish were reluctant to feed. As the day progressed the wind picked up shortly after 4pm, and my angling pal Marty latched onto a nice fish. Unfortunately in the battle of ANGLER VERSED FISH, the fish came out on Top. As it turned out only one Trout was produced at Donore Shore at the 6pm finish despite a very good entry. Kells duo John Mulvaney fishing with pal Andy Doyle producing the winner weighing just over 4lbs. Mary Nally, wife of the late Jimmy presented John with the Jimmy Nally Memorial Cup. I noticed that Derravaragh like many of our other lakes is very low; so if you are Out & About on the lake take care as there are many shallows starting to pop up.

GLORE ANGLERS. On Sunday May 13th Glore Anglers will hold the Vincent Smith pike competition. It’s an open event with fishing from 10-30am to 5-30pm. If you fancy a day on Glore, and would like to fish this competition please contact Eddie O’Donnell on 089-4126507.

CAMLIN ANGLERS DAY OUT. On Sunday May 13th our neighbours in Longford Camlin Anglers will hold a pike fishing competition at Lanesborough. It’s a club competition, and membership is available on the day. Entry fee is €50 per boat and Top Prize is €500. The competition is sponsored by Dennison’s of Longford, and if you fancy your chances please contact Michael on 086-8715207.

TROUT COMPETITION IN AID OF ANGLERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. We have being asked to mention the All Ireland Trout Angling Competition that will be hosted by Friends of Loch An Dochais.The event will be fished on Sunday May 27th on Loch An Dochais, and the winner will be presented with the Mary Robinson Perpetual Cup. Fishing from 11am to 2.45, bag limit of 4 trout, and it’s all-legal methods. More on this please contact Denis O’Driscoll 057-9135328.

THAT’S IT. I more than likely forgot something, but we are all human and it’s very hard to keep track of all that’s happening in the Angling World. I encourage Clubs and Associations to send details of coming events, recent catches etc. Please Text or E-mail details well in advance with contact number of competition Secretary or Pro. Tight Lines till next week.

CONTACT. Mick 087-2797270. E- mail mick@midlandangling.com

Yep it was a cracking weekend for Midlanders, with Bressie Boy taking the Voice and Paddy Ward from Multyfarnham winning the Boat on Owel. I have a huge Gallery of pics from the I.T.F.F.A. competition. My web master is putting me on the twit thing, it’s hard to keep up with all that’s happening but we will do our best. I had a magic day with Adam Conroy Smith from Hertfordshire, on Owel. Adam works with Korda Developments, and was over to visit relations in Tyrrellpass. Martin King used our rain shot from Owel on TV3 weather slot last week and they reckon you would get wet looking at the photo. It’s all good to go so lets lash into this weeks report.

KORDA LAD IN MULLINGAR. I have met some great characters in my days while fishing, and Adam Conroy Smith is up their with the best. The young Hertfortshide lad was over for a few days with relations in Tyrrellpass, and we spent a few hours on Owel. He is a Graphic designer with one of the worlds top angling outlets Korda and carp is big with Korda. We lashed flies out on Owel, and the Adam lad had a super day, plus we ventured into calm water and hooked up with a pike. It’s nice when a plan comes together, and we had the trout on the fly, and the pike latched onto a Mini Bulldog. Adam is back in July, and I am looking forward to a few more days with this top angler. I got a quick photo of Adam and his Tyrrellpass relations including Uncle Martin Conroy, and cousin Ciaran who plays football for Tyrrellpass.

BACK ON OWEL. Owel was the venue for the I.T.F.F.A. youth fundraiser competition, and it was fished in dog rough conditions. Still some super trout took the fly, and Multyfarnhan Angler Paddy Ward produced a super bag of fish weighing 3.495kg. Athlone Angler Sean Kenny was 2nd with 2.820 and Dundalk angler Declan Smith 3rd with 2.495kg.

I had a great day with Thomas McMullan of Maxol Oil, and boated 3 fish, but like myself a bit on the short side weighing over 1.9kg. The top prize was a spanking new Anglers Fancy Boat and well done to Paddy on winning this fantastic prize. I.T.F.F.A. Pro Joe Keena and Derravaragh Chairman featured in the prizes and all results will be on I.T.F.F.A site later in the week.

MAY DAY ON GOWNA. Our friends in North Longford have sent details of their May weekend pike competition. On Saturday and Sunday May 5th & 6th it’s all hands on deck. Monday is Ladies day and a huge turn out is expected. John Boyle is the contact if you fancy your chances on Gowna.086-1963986.

TV3. Martin King used our Lough Owel photograph, which I took on Lough Owel in savage heavy rain. It was in last weeks fishing slot, and they reckon you would get wet looking at the photo. Sometime I will flick through my photo Gallery and give readers a look at the conditions we actually fish in.

WARDELL CUP ON LENE. On Sunday May 6th Lough Lene Angling Association will host the Wardell Cup. This pike competition will be fished from 11am -6pm from Fagan’s Point. It’s an open competition and all going well a few Lene Monsters will come on line. Text or e- mail me and I will give you contacts for boat hire etc.

THAT’S IT. I have a huge Gallery of Fishy photos from last week. The May Fly is starting and in the coming weeks I will be flat out on the lakes. Come back to midlandangling.com for all the May Fly news.

CONTACTS. MICK 087-2797270. E- mail Mick@midlandangling.com

The Lough Ree Festival and World Cup Pike Championships proved another huge success according to organizer Dave Houghton. A total of 164 Anglers competed over the 3 days and some cracking pike were measured and released. I teamed up with pal Marty Smith from Macklesfield near Manchester and we had some nice pike trolling on Ree. Our best pike grabbed a Red and White Mini Bulldog, and also the Ree pike took a shine to our Silver Spoons. If you are planning a trip on Ree pack a few Cats Tails Super 10 Magnums, the Musky Devil Rainbow will certainly get a pull. Check them out in Anglers World Navan and Mullingar.

TOP RODS ON REE. North Longford pike Angler Martyn Cusworth produced the best fish of the festival measuring 108.5cm, with Leo Behan Senior and Junior winning the World Cup, with a combined measurement of 288.50cm. Top lady Angler was Helen Conway with another fine pike measuring 105cm. Full results can be checked on www.activeirishangling.com/lough-ree-pike-festival-world-cup.html.

PHOTO/GALLERY. I missed the presentation due to work commitments, and here are a few colourful photos I took on final morning. Plus some pike shots, including a cracking shot of Peter Farbula with a pike of 107.5cm.

Yes it’s official we anglers are “NUTS”. The conditions we fished in last Sunday was out of this world, and the heavy rain was incredible. I managed to photograph Longford Sub Aqua out training on Owel, with the waterproof camera, but my mobile phone took the brunt of the rain. Yes stuck it in jacket pocket, and it filled with water. Ah well, the fishing was mighty and Olives hatching have the Owel trout on the move. Tommy Cowap won the J. O’Malley Cup with a fine fish weighing 3.354kg.

I was on Ree for the 3-day pike festival and some cracking pike came on board. Peter Farbula originally Slovakia, now Mullingar landed a whopper on the last day measuring 107.5cm, and we have the photo. I fished with pal Marty Smith and we boated pike up on 101cm to get into the prizes.

This Sunday a 19f boat is first prize on Owel, a nice catch for sure. It’s the I.T.F.F.A. youth’s fundraiser fly-fishing competition, and its €50 per angler. Last week we featured young Niamh Allard with her super brown trout, the photograph was lost on line, so hopefully this week we will sort this out.

TOMMY COPES ON OWEL. Last Sunday Lough Owel Anglers fished the J. O’Malley Cup in unbelievable conditions. The heavy rain showers were out of this world, and got right through my gear. The Lake fished well and huge hatches of Olives had the fish surface feeding. Retired Soldier Tommy Cowap fishing with Kenny Kiernan topped the day with a fine trout of 1.345 kg to win the Johnny O’Malley Cup. Johnny Plunkett finished 2nd with 985kg, and 3rd was Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association Chairman Brendan Murray with 975kg. Brendan thanked Johnny and David O’Malley for their sponsorship, and Johnny was on hand to present prizes.

I.T.F.F.A. ON OWEL. This coming Sunday April 29th a fundraising competition will be fished for the I.T.F.F.A youths section. Top prize is a 19ft Anglers Fancy Boat and entry fee is €50 per angler. Many other prizes are up for grabs, and all are welcome to fish this competition. Fishing is from 11am-5pm and please contact George Behan for more information 087-2607300.

REE INTERNATIONAL PIKE FRSTIVAL. Last week the Lough Ree Pike festival was fished over 3 days. It was a huge success with some cracking pike being boated over the 3 days. I teamed up with Marty Smith of Macklesfield near Manchester and we had pike to 101cm in length and featured in the prizes. The winning pike measured 108.5cm and was caught by Martyn Cusworth of North Longford Anglers. Mullingar resident Peter Farbula originally of Slovakia boated a super pike of 107.5cm to take 3rd over all. Great win for the Derravaragh Anglers club member. Also in the prizes were Mullingar duo Barry Darby and Finian. Full results and photo Gallery will be on my site next weekend.

CARLOW LADS ENJOY DAY IN MIDLANDS. Bob Farrell and son Marvin had a cracking day pike fishing here in Westmeath last Sunday. The deadly duo from Carlow boated pike to 10lbs, and are already planning a return visit to Mullingar. We have some of the best fishing in Ireland, and it’s certainly catching on.

NIAMH ALLARD. Last week we featured young Niamh Allard of Boardstown Mullingar with a super West Of Ireland Trout over 5lbs. The photograph went missing last week, but we have caught up with it. I do a lot of Field Testing on Lures for various Tackle dealers, and lately have put the Quantum range to the test on our pike and trout. I hope to run a special feature on these cracking lures in the coming weeks. Watch out for the Trout Squad, which is a must for serious anglers. It comes with a few spare tails, as predator fish hits these lures hard. Another little Gem is the Jiffy, a reel Trout Catcher. Niamh drop into Nuala or Liz in the front office in Topic; they have a few Eye Catching Lures for you, and keep at the fishing.

THAT’S IT. It’s full steam ahead on the competition scene and I hope to make Owel next Sunday. The lake will hold the International Youth fly fishing championships later this year, and teams from Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland will be in Town. Bloomfield House Hotel is the HQ for the 2012 International, and it’s a great chance to promote fishing in Westmeath. Tight Lines till next week.

C0NTACTS. Mick 087-2797270. Mick@midlandangling.com

CAHILL SENDS SHOCK WAVES ACROSS OWEL

Last Sunday we fished the first Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association trout competition of the season, and E.S.B. employee Jimmy Cahill was Top Rod in the Ace Cup. There was a good entry and plenty of trout came on line. Speaking of Trout we received a cracking photo of Mullingar Lady Angler Niamh Allard with a beautiful fish weighing over 5lbs. Also on the Trout scene Derravaragh Anglers fished the Abbott Tight Lines competition over Easter weekend, and once again some fine fish were caught. The trout competition scene is in full swing and this Sunday Owel Anglers host the J. O’Malley Cup. Anglers World has opened in Mullingar, and their new Angling Centre situated in Mullingar Shopping Centre beside Tesco is packed with all of the top angling gear.

ACE CUP. The Ace Cup was fished in mixed weather conditions last Sunday on Owel. We started off on a cold windy frosty morning, and finished up in calm sunny conditions. It was the first club competition and was well supported on the day. The lake had being fishing well all week, and some good trout were moving to fly hatches. I had fished the lake a few days prior to the competition, and had a super trout of 3lbs 12oz on Friday while fishing with Irish Times Angling scribe Derek Evans.

On competition day it was a different Kettle of Fish and I only managed small fish while fishing with local fly angler Tony English. Still we had a super day and Tony finished in 3rd place with a nice fish of .825kg. Matt Cambell of Dundalk finished 2nd with .885kg, and Mullingar E.S.B. employee Jimmy Cahill from Killucan topped the day with a fish of 1.200kg. Presentation took place at Tullaghan and Oliver Buckley presented Jimmy with the Ace Cup. Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association Chairman Brendan Murray thanked all who supported the competition, and the Buckley family for their sponsorship.

ABBOTT TIGHTY LINES. Derravaragh Anglers fished their first trout competition on Easter Sunday, and some fine fish were caught on this cracking fishery. With the first sign of a few May Fly the Trout were up for a look around, and quite a few fish were stirred on the day. On the day regular Derravaragh angler Kieran Evans produced a super fish of 3lbs 8oz to take Top Rod with Joe Keena catching 2 fish, best 2lbs 8oz to take 2nd spot, and Christy Hynes Competition Captain taking 3rd spot.

Joe Keena tells us Scale samples from these fish were gathered and these will provide information for the genetic and abundance study of Lough Derravaragh trout. Anglers are requested to support the genetic and abundance survey of Derravaragh trout by retaining scale samples of any trout they catch and leaving these scales with Karl in the shop at Donore Caravan Park or by contacting Joe Keena on 086 8722449.

Derravaragh Anglers have more cracking Trout and Pike competition coming up in the next few months, so if interested in coming on board with Derravaragh Anglers membership is open, and give Joe a shout.

J. O’MALLEY CUP. Next Sunday April 22nd L.O.T.P.A. are back in action and host the J. O’Malley Cup. This is a popular club competition and a good turn out of Anglers are expected on the day. Fishing once again is from 11am-6pm, with check in at Mullallys and Tullaghan. Membership is open at €35 for Senior Anglers, and you will also need a current IFI permit. Entry fee on the day is €10, and if you need a boat please contact Jack Doolin on 044- 93- 42085.

NIAMH ALLARD LANDS A WHOPPER. Eleven years old Niamh Allard rattled the scales down the West of Ireland over the Easter break and boated a fine trout over 5lbs while fishing with dad John. The deadly duo from Boardstown, Mullingar love their fishing and Niamh is looking forward to the summer fishing season. Niamh is back to school this week in Presentation Convent Senior School, and we reckon she will have a few Fishy Tails for her schoolmates.

ANGLERS WORLD COMES TO MULLINGAR. Paul O’Callaghan of Anglers World Navan has opened his Angling Centre up in Mullingar Shopping Centre near Tesco. The shop opened last Thursday and is reeling in the Anglers. Paul is our Catch of the Month Sponsor on Midland Angling web site, and we wish him well moving to Mullingar. Well known Mullingar Angler and Shooter Brian Conlon is running the Centre for Paul, and Brian has years of experience, having ran Outdoor Pursuits in town for years with his wife Jean.

THATS IT/ GONE FISHING. I more than likely forgot some thing, but will cast back next week. Don’t forget the O’Malley Cup next Sunday, and best of luck this week to Midland Anglers fishing the Lough Ree Festival. The weather forecast is not great, and don’t forget your lifejacket. Tight Lines till next week.

CONTACTS. Mick 087-2797270. E- mail mick@midlandangling.com.

Yes it’s certainly Girl Power this week, and we have a few cracking photos of Westmeath Lady anglers in action. Recently on Owel 9 years old Caitlin Smith hooked up with her first trout, and is caught on Angling we are told. Over the Easter weekend the Boyle & District Anglers hosted their 2-day Pike Festival, and we had some Mullingar winners including April Flanagan who topped the Ladies section. Mullingar piker Anthony Scally finished 3rd in the senior section. It was a cracking 2 days on Lough Key, but hard to get a few pike to take the bait. Next week we are gearing up for the 3 day Lough Ree Pike Festival, and we received another super photo this week of a Lough Ree Monster. Also this week news from Glore Anglers, and the trout competition season kicks in on Owel this coming Sunday April 15th.

CAITLIN SMITH ON OWEL. Young Mullingar Lady Caitlin Smith was enjoying some of our brilliant March weather some week’s back, and was Out & About on Lough Owel with dad Philip. The 9 year old took to the fishing like a Duck to Water and reeled in her first trout from Owel. It’s great to see young Anglers coming on line, and well-done Caitlin. Drop into the front Office of Westmeath Topic, I have left a few super trout lures for you, and we hope you keep at the fishing.

MULLINGAR ANGLERS ON KEY. Last weekend Boyle & District Anglers hosted their 2 day Pike Festival. The venue was once again Lough Key and Mullingar Anglers did well over the 2 days fishing. I teamed up with daughter April, and on the first Morning April hooked up with a super pike of 16lbs 8oz. This fish won April a beautiful Galway Crystal Trophy, and a cheque for €300. In the senior section Anthony Scally of Mullingar finished 3rd over the 2 days and picked up a cool €1,250 with a fantastic pike of 19lbs 5oz. Lough Key is a fantastic Lake for a days fishing, and is little over an hours drive from Mullingar if you fancy a day out.

REE PIKE. On April 18th we start the Lough Ree 3 day Pike Festival on Ree, and there is a very good entry for this years event. The Lake has in recent weeks produced fine pike and hopefully I will catch a few over the 3 days. This week we received another super photo of a Lough Ree Monster weighing 20lbs 3oz. The fish was caught by 14 years old Ryan Murray, and was in mint condition. The pike was a bit on the heavy side for Ryan to hold, so Dad Declan did the honours. Lets hope the Murray luck holds out for the Lough Ree Festival. Great fish lads.

GLORE NEWS. Lough Glore Anglers are busy sorting out competition dates and club events for the 2012 season. At the recent A.G.M. Eddie O’Donnell once again took control as Chairman of Glore Anglers. Bryan Hearte is Vice Chairman, Secretary is Emily Cosgrove, Treasure Pat Finglas, and Competition Captain is Eddie O’Donnell. If you are interested in fishing Glore competitions, and joining the club give Eddie a bell on 087-7761970.

ACE CUP ON OWEL. Next Sunday April 15th Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association will host their first trout fly fishing competition of 2012. On the day the Ace Cup is up for grabs, and a good turn out of Anglers are expected on the day. Club Membership is open, and you will also need a current IFI permit to fish Owel. Fishing is from 11am-6pm. Club rules apply, 3 fish limit, and 13inch size limit.

PEADAR CAFFREY CUP. Also on April 15th Lough Lene Angling Association are in action, and on the day they fish the Peadar Caffrey Cup. This fly-fishing only competition will be fished from 11am-6pm. Start and Finish Fagan’s Point.

DAY OUT ON CORRIB. If you fancy a day out on Lough Corrib the Collinamuck & District Anglers are holding their Open Wet Fly Fishing Competition on Sunday April 22th. Closing dates for entry is Wednesday April 18th. Entry Fee €70 with Top prize €1,000 and Collinamuck Perpetual Cup. Plus many other prizes down to 10th place. More on this please contact Mike Keady on 087-4190346. If you intend staying over for the competition or any other time, you could check out Clonbur House. It is only 5 minutes from both Corrib and Mask.

DEADLINES AND WATER LEVELS. Yes the rain has arrived, and we need some fresh water. The Lakes, Rivers, and Royal Canal are low. The demand for water is putting a lot of pressure on our waterways, and hopefully it can be sorted. As far as Deadlines are concerned some clubs are sending Text messages 4 days prior to competitions. I encourage all clubs and angling associations to forward all news items, but I have to have my angling report in by Monday Mid Day for local papers. Idealy forward all competition dates well In advance so I can give them a good lash for local clubs, and feature on midlandangling.com.

THAT’S IT. I hope to catch up with a few Midland Anglers on Owel this week, and check it out prior to the Ace Cup. Dont forget dress to impress as the CCTV cameras are in operation at Tullaghan and Mullallys. I will have news on our Anglers World sponsored Catch of the Month next week. Tight Lines till next week.

I was hit with the Man Flu last week, and it almost knocked the fishing out of me. Still I managed a few days on the lakes, and Duck Fly is abundant on Owel, with plenty of trout on the move. Also the Owel Anglers have installed their CCTV cameras at Tullaghan and Mullallys. On Ennell I trolled through huge drifts of Duck Fly, and seen no trout surface feeding, but managed my first Ennell trout of the season on a small lure. On the pike scene Tom Smith of Mullingar boated a super Ree pike, and we have the photograph to prove it. Phoenix Pike Anglers from Tullamore hosted a competition recently, and some nice pike also took the bait. On the social side of Angling Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association honoured Peter Caffrey with life Membership at their recent AGM.

OWEL NEWS. Last week I spend a few days on Owel and plenty of Duck Fly have the Trout on the move. Good news for Owel Anglers as the competitions kick start on April 15th when we fish the Ace Cup. Last season we had some cars broken into and serious littering at Tullaghan and Mullallys, now the L.O.T.P.A. have installed CCTV cameras at both locations.

ENNELL NEWS. Last Friday night Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association hosted their A.G.M. On the night the members honoured Peter Caffrey with life membership. Quite a few anglers are fishing Ennell, and some good pike, perch and trout are coming on line. It’s hard to entice an Ennell trout, and I was lucky enough to catch my first Ennell fish for 2012 last week. I met the Coogan brothers on Cherry Island, and Morris kindly took the photograph of my fish. The Lads are from the Curragh in Kildare, and have their boat in Whitebridge Bay.

REE PIKE. Mullingar Angler Tom Smith reeled in a super pike recently on Ree, during the fine spell of weather. The lake has produced some great fish in the past few weeks, and this is certainly another beauty. Don’t forget the Lough Ree Pike Festival starting on April 18th for 3- days. Closing date for entries is April 10th. More on this contact Dave Houghton dave@activeirishangling.com

PHOENIX PIKE ANGLERS. Well done to Sean Condron of Phoenix Pike Anglers on catching the best pike during the clubs recent competition. Sean rattled the scales with a fine pike of 14lbs 8oz. 15 Anglers competed and 32 pike were caught with Sean winning the Jim Coyle Memorial prize. Emmet Burke won the junior section with 2 pike for 4lbs 10oz.

DAY OUT AT THE PIKE FOR JUNIOR ANGLERS. News in from my friends in Gowna, and Upper Erne Anglers. They are holding an open boat pike competition for junior anglers on Saturday April 21st. It will be fished from 12am-4pm and plenty of fantastic prizes are up for grabs. The venue is Derries lake, and it will be an ideal chance to try a new pike water for anglers. If you are interested please contact Ciaran 086-8579156.

GONE FISHING. That’s it for another week, and hopefully I will have shaken off this head cold, and back to serious fishing later this week. Easter weekend is busy on the competition scene and The Lough Key Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday for pike. If you fancy a day on Lough Conn on Saturday Ballina and Cloghans Anglers host the Jack McNeeley Cup. Seamus Kelly is the contact: 087-9782464.

CONTACTS. MICK 087-2797270. Email mick@midlandangling.com

I ventured out on Ennell this week, and enjoyed some of our early summer weather. Having fly fished for a few weeks, I needed to just site back and troll for a few hours. Plus I wanted to check if any Ennell trout were on the move. Their were huge hatches of Duck Fly and the Gulls were having a ball, they did not even have to take off from the water just feeding along the slicks. Unfortunately I did not see any trout moving in all this fly life activity, but managed one hit on the troll land boated my first Ennell Trout of 2012.

PHOTO. I was lucky enough to meet the Coogan brothers from the Curragh in Kildare and had lunch with lads on Cherry Island. They are great characters, and love their day out on the lakes. Morris kindly took a photo of me with my prized catch. It’s early days yet and I hope to meet the lads during the season and catch them on camera with a few nice fish.

GET OUT ON ENNELL. Ennell is a super Fishery and pleasure anglers can fish for Trout, Pike, and Perch. You will need a current IFI Shannon Permit, and this can be sorted by your Guide or boat hire facilities. Plus it can be purchased on line. Boat and Engine Hire on Ennell is at Lilliput, and Peter Ganly has a fantastic fleet of boats for hire. This can be checked on his Advert slot in Midland Angling, or give him a buzz on 087-6492866. I provide guiding service right across the Midlands and can be contacted on 087-2797270.

FEED BACK. We welcome all feed back from Anglers fishing our Midland lakes and Rivers, and lash us in a few photos and details of your most recent trip. We have our Catch Of The Month competition running, plus sign up prizes for our Monthly newsletter.

Recently Tullamore Angling club, Phoenix Pike Anglers fished the Jim Coyne Memorial competition. It was a cracking day out and some nice pike came on line. Sean Condron was in fine form and topped the day with 2 fish for 15lbs 8oz, including the best pike of the day a super fish of 14lbs 8oz. Din Coyne was 2nd with 3 fish for 9lbs 7oz, and 3rd was top Tullamore piker Pat Gorman with 6 fish for 7lbs 6oz. Pat also hooked up with a beautiful size 5 High Heel ladies shoe. Top junior angler was Emmett Burke with 2 fish for 4lbs 10oz.