The 2016 Lough Ree Pike festival proved a huge success and some super pike were caught over the 3-day event. All fish were photographed on measuring boats and returned. On day one, Alan Pickford and Christopher Pickford produced a pike of 111.25cm to take the top prize. On day two, Richard and Paul Fallon took top prize with 113.25cm and day three was won by Mullingar duo Barry Darby and John Crighton. Barry, regarded as one of the top pike anglers, produced a super pike of 114.50cm to win day three, this fish was also the longest pike boated over the festival. Noel McCaffrey and James Butler won the World Cup. Full results can be checked on athloneanglersassociation@gmail.com.
PLEASURE PIKERS: The local lakes produced some fine pike for pleasure angling in recent days. Newbridge & District Anglers had a day out on Ennell fishing from Lilliput, and boated a few nice pike on lures and dead baits. Dave Murphy, of Newbridge anglers, had a pike of 19lbs 6oz, the lads were impressed with the facilities up at Lilliput and would like to thank Lilliput Boat Hire for all the help. For boat hire on Lough Ennell contact Pete @ 087-6492899. Also last Sunday, visiting angler Alberto Pasini got his pike angling adventure up and running with a pike well in the double figures.
JIMMY NALLY CUP: The Jimmy Nally Cup was fished on Sunday April 10th, some lovely trout were caught and quite a few were missed we were told. It was nice to see a few trout on the move on Derravaragh, and if we have a good May Fly hatch some, hopefully, will come on board. John Cooke won on the day with a fish of 2lbs 13oz, 2nd Jimmy Cahill 2lbs 6oz, and 3rd Liam Gilsenan with 2lbs 5oz.
PEADAR CAFFREY CUP: Lough Lene is still producing nice trout and earlier in the week, Mark Homes and pal Jim Hedderman had a few lovely fish on the troll. On Sunday April 24th, Lough Lene Anglers hosted the Peadar Caffrey Cup, and John Brennan was top rod with a fine trout of 2.24kgs. In second place was D.J. Byrne 1.78kgs, and 3rd was Gerry Heaslip with 1.70kgs. Top junior angler was Gerard McLoughlin with .64kgs. Lene anglers are back in action on Sunday May 8th and this is a pike competition with top prize, the Wardell Cup.