It’s all go in the Angling World and we had some fun in the sun on Owel last week. The trout were reluctant to take the bait, but some lovely perch were caught. Some of the sun sets on our lakes last week were just magical, and I caught it dropping over Bunbrosna last week late into the night on Owel.Also this week news from the National Challenge Trophy fished on Lough Lein Killarney.Two Westmeath Anglers qualified to represent Ireland in 2015.Also news in from IFI of another non-native specie turning up in the River Maige in Adare Co.Limerick.The yellow bellyied slider Turtle was found in the Maige. Sadly last week we lost one of our top anglers. Seamus Eighan had being ill for some time, and was laid to rest last Sunday in Tyrrellpass Cemetery.
COLOURFULL PERCH. Last week Lough Owel produced some lovely Perch for Trim anglers Oisin Farry and Paul Dempsey. In total the lads boated 9 perch on a variety of colorful lures. The trout and pike were reluctant to take on the day, but they had some fun with the perch. They are a cracking sporting fish, and you will have some fun spinning with light gear for perch. Lough Owel is under the control of IFI and you will need a current permit to fish Owel.The lake looked a million dollars last week as darkness fell and we are having some brilliant sun sets on our lakes.
NATIONAL CHALLENGE. Killarney Anglers, ITFFA Munster committee, and Killarney National Parks Authority hosted the 2014 National Challenge Trophy on Lough Lein last week. One hundred and twenty six anglers competed with the Irish Blazer up for grabs in 2015.Stuary Marry of Balbriggan was top rod with eight trout for 1.733kg.Stuart is a regular angler here in the Midland and competed in competitions on Owel.two Westmeath anglers done well on Lein and made the Irish team for next year. Andy Duncan and Simon Yorke qualified on the day. Well-done Lads.
NON-NATIVE SPECIES. Ms Amanda Mooney director at Inland fisheries Ireland has urge the public to be more conscious when purchasing exotic species for pets. Escapees or deliberate releases into our natural resources can have detrimental consequences to our biodiversity, especially to our fisheries. On Wednesday June 18th IFI officers came across a Yellow Bellied Slider Turtle. It was found in the tidal water of the River Maige in Adare, Co. Limerick. It’s a native of South Eastern United States, Florida, and Virginia. IFI continue to run a 24 hour confidential hotline where anyone can report any discovery of an alien species – 1850 FISH 24 or 1890 34 74 24.
PIKE & PREADATOR .The July issue of Pike and Predator magazine is out, and it’s packed with tips on catching your prized fish. Once again our Jigs and Reels from Ireland is featured, and hopefully it will encourage some visiting anglers to drop into Westmeath. The magazine is celebrating its 200 Issue this month, and worth checking out.
SEAMUS EIGHAN R.I.P. Sadly we lost one of our top anglers last week. Seamus Eighan was very well known in the Angling World and was one of Lough Ennells top competition Anglers. Seamus also loved the bigger Western lakes and boated in many World Cup competition on Mask. On behalf of Angling Focus we send our deepest sympathies to Seamus Eighan family members and his friends.
THAT’S IT. As a mark of respect to the late Seamus Eighan the Weir Cup penciled in for last Sunday June 22nd was cancelled. Lough Derravaragh Anglers host this competition, and members will be contacted by text message regarding competition date. Looking ahead we have some peter competition coming in July and on Friday night July 18th Lough Lene will host the Larry Mulligan Cup. Tight Lines till next week.
CONTACT. Mick Flanagan
Mobile: 087-2797270
E mail mick@midlandangling.com
www.facebook.com/midlandangling