Well I broke my first bit of Ice on Friday getting out onto Lough Ennell. My good pal Martyn Smith is over from Macklesfield for a few days before Christmas, and we were fired up for a bit of pike and perch fishing. Martyn is over in Ireland monthly on business, and we always get a few days fishing done, be it for game or coarse fish. We picked Ennell to start our few days fishing, and I really wanted to give it 2 good days, even if it was bitter cold.
On Friday we broke Ice to launch the boat, and belted up the Lake to one of my Hot Spots. The plan was to troll with large lures, and hopefully get a few pike. The first Morning proved tough, and I got one hit, and lost the fish, before even getting a look at it. Having dined on Dysart Island; we selected a few of my Bass Harassers, and fished them under floats in 15-20 ft of water. Bingo, the pike turned on for an hour and we got 4 hits, and Martyn boated 2 cracking doubles. The fish were very lightly hooked, and gave us great Rod bending action.
On Saturday the track I broke through the ice was once again covered, but we made our way out nice and gently. It was a different day, and there was a brutal raw wind blowing across Ennell, that would skin a Cat. Once again the Morning session failed to produce a pike, even though we were trolling through great water, with plenty of Shoal fish. Eventually Martyn got a strike on an 8 inch Harasser, and the pike came in very handy. The fish was about 8lbs, and was in mint condition. We both thought that this would be the start of another magic hour, like Friday, but after an hour trolling in brutal cold conditions, we chucked it in and went looking for perch. These fish go very deep on Ennell over the winter months, and provide great sport on light equipment. Plus they can save you from having a total blank, which some anglers really don’t like. As for myself I really don’t care if I blank, because I fish so many days it makes no real difference. I know my time will come. We boated 5 lovely coloured perch, and hit many more fish in 40-50 ft of water. One little colourful character I picked up hard on the bottom in 56ft.
ENNELL OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK. Ennell is certainly worth a look over the Christmas and New Year Break, and Bloomfield House Hotel on the shores of Lough Ennell has some fantastic deals for anyone visiting Westmeath. I was chatting to Oliver Gaffey Sales and Marketing Manager in Bloomfield, and Oliver sent details of their specials. Yes €59 for 2, Bed and Breakfast, Glass of Champagne, Homemade Chocolate Truffles, and full use of Leisure Club. A great chance for Anglers to drop in, and chill out on Ennell. If you fancy reeling in this fantastic offer, give Oliver a shout on 044-93-40894 or e- mail sales@bloomfieldhouse.com.
GUIDED TRIPS. I provide Guided trips on all Midland Lakes including Ennell, and can supply all equipment, more on this 087-2797270. The Lake is under the control of I.F.I. so a current permit is required to fish on Ennell. This can be purchased in Bloomfield House Hotel. Pike & Coarse Fishing Bye Laws are enforced on Ennell. Please report any illegal angling activities or pollution concerns to Dermott Broughan Local Fishery Officer on 087-2595286.
PICS FROM ENNELL LAST WEEK. I leave you with a few photos from Ennell on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. I hope to take Martyn for a trip down the Inny before he returns, and this will be featured in my Midland reports later this week. If not we might go after some Rainbows.
