Mullingar Angler John Daly was very unlucky last week on Lough Ree. John who works with Genesis here in town is new to the Angling World, but is starting to find his way on the competition scene. On Ree Newtowncashel Anglers hosted their boat pike competition and John lost out on top prize by just 1lb 1oz. Staying with pike, last week we mentioned the derravaragh Christmas competition for November 20th. On the same day the Moffatt Cup is also up for grabs. In recent weeks Glore Anglers have hosted a few fly pike competition, and the members are enjoying the pike fishing on the fly. Bane Anglers are getting itchy feet, and on Saturday December 17th hold their Annual Social Night, where you can dance to the beat of Matt Leavy. On the D.A.M. lure scene I hope to have finished Field Testing by Mid November, and some lucky angler will receive some of these very colourful baits. It’s hard to make time for everything, and now with the shooting in full swing, I am Out & About with the gun from time to time.
REE. Our neighboring anglers in Newtowncashel hosted their boat pike competition last Sunday November 6th. It was a glorious day to be out on Ree, and we had lovely clear skies. There was a great turn out on Anglers, and they were all geared up for the days pike fishing. Traveling up was my friend through angling Kevin Foley of Limerick, and his angling pal Mikie Dillion of Inagh Co Clare. The lads got a bit lost after passing Ballymahon, and we eventually got them on the right road for Barley Harbour where the boats were launching. Saying this they had no problem finding the winning pike on Ree that day, and Mikie produced a fine fish of 17lbs 7oz to take Top Rod. It was a case of pipped at the post for Mullingar Angler John Daly as John fishing with my brother J.J. boated a fine fish of 16lbs 6oz to take 2nd place. Longford pike Master Joe McDermott latched onto a pike of 14lbs 8oz for 3rd, and J.J. Flanagan was 4th with 13lbs 13oz. J.J. just ousted local pair Sean and Catherine McArdle, the father and daughter team are regulars on Ree and boated a pike just over 13lbs. I had another hard day in the Office, and managed just one small pike around 4lbs. Not to worry, my luck will change soon, I hope.
DERRAVARAGH. As mentioned last week the Christmas pike competition will be fished on Derravaragh Sunday November 20th. Also on the same day the Philip Moffatt Memorial Cup is also up for grabs. Sadly Philip lost his life along with two more lads some years back on Derravaragh in a drowning tragedy. We were neighbors growing up in Springfield, and I have yet to put my name on this Cup. All going well on November 20th the weather will be suitable for fishing Derravaragh as a large turn out is expected on the day. Boat and Engine hire on Derravaragh: call Karl on 085-8003525. More on the competition and Derravaragh membership please contact Secretary Joe Keena on 086-8722449.
BANE. Bane Anglers are holding their Annual Social Night on December 17th in Teddy’s Pub Moylagh. On the night Lough Bane Anglers will be rocking to the sounds of Matt Leavy, and it’s a great nights entertainment. Lough Bane Anglers Association are also holding their Social Night draw on the same night, and up for grabs are plenty of cash prizes, including 1st prize of €500. Now that’s a nice catch for Christmas. If you fancy a good night out drift into Teddy’s Pub on Saturday 17th, refreshments and spot prizes will be on line.
GLORE. Come pike fly with me is the Glore Motto for the winter months. Yes the Glore Anglers have hosted some pike fly-fishing competitions, and the members are really hooked on this up and coming sport. Pike are a fantastic sporting fish, and really fight hard on fly gear. It’s a great way to fish for pike, and Glore is ideal as it is quite shallow where the Glore river enters, and get deep as you drift down the Lake. Glore members Ray Masterson and Luke Walpole featured in the prizes recently and we received a photo of the lads outside East Coast Angling who sponsored some of the fly fishing gear. The club members are very active on the competition scene, and also are doing on going work on facilities for anglers on Glore. They have splendid cooking facilities, and really know how to enjoy their days fishing. Interested in finding out more on Glore contact club Chairman Eddie O’Donnell on 087-7761970.
SHOOTING & FISHING. Yes for some of us Rod and Gun comes hand in hand, and last week the Pheasant shooting started on November 1st. Like many an angler I also shoot, and ventured out on opening day for a few hours. It’s part and parcel of opening day those competitions are held for the Longest Pheasant on opening day. Local shooters dropped into the Bridge Bar last week for opening day and we had a super evening. Local lads Joe Monaghan and Shane Colleary were joint winners with birds measuring 38inches long. Chris Maguire of Croghan Co Offaly was 2nd, and I finished 3rd. It was a great evening and thanks to Matt Cullen and staff for a fantastic sit down meal, that Master Chef judges would be proud of. Also Paul Houlihan and James Farrell who organized the competition, and those who sponsored prizes.
THAT’S IT. I have to attend another Westmeath Angling Network meeting this week, and will have news on that. We have a lot to offer on the Angling scene here in the Midlands for Visitors and local anglers alike. In recent weeks I have being attacked over my reports on Angling in Westmeath, and that I am encouraging un welcomed anglers to our lakes and rivers. I take it these are the individuals that practice Catch & Kill by all methods. If any readers are worried about illegal angling taking place on our lakes and rivers please contact your local Fishery Officers. Also there is a 24 Hour Poachers and Polluters phone service which was launched by I.F.I. this is 1890 3472 24. Tight Lines till next week.
CONTACT. MICK 087-2797270. E-mail Mick@midlandangling.com
