We are getting a bit of bad weather across the Midlands, and fresh floods made it difficult for anglers last weekend. Still some cracking pike and perch were caught on our Midland lakes and rivers. All going well the River Inny will be up a bit, and soon I can get down to Lough Iron and give it a lash for the first time this winter. On Ennell some super Perch are coming up from the depths. This time of year the perch go deep, and we picked them up in 50-60ft of water. Derravaragh also produced some lovely fish including a perch of 35cm in length. Also this week we have results from the Erne Classic 2- day pike competition, and well-known Mullingar Pike angler Barry Darby done the business on the Erne. We have a mixed bag this week as my other passion in life took center stage, the Pheasant shooting started last Saturday November 1st, and like myself many of our anglers enjoy the shooting game.
ENNELL PERCH. Now is the time to get the light Jigging gear out, and start catching cracking perch on our bigger Midland lakes. On Ennell last week some super perch were caught on a variety of colorful Jigs. The Perch fishing is certainly taking off as we settle into the dark winter days, and its fantastic sport on light gear. All you need is a light weigh spinning outfit, and some rubber lures. Last week I also set up a rig similar to Mackeral fishing, and I had some Minkies, and Blobs used for trout fishing. This system worked a treat, and I dropped them down to 60ft on Ennell, and the perch really took a shine to the white Minkie.Rubber worms also done the business, and all should be avaible in most well stocked Tackle shops. Next week I will include some photographs of the perch rigs I am using.
DERRAVARAGH PERCH. Also on Derravaragh the perch have moved out into deep water, and providing super sport for anglers. The recent rain has seen water levels on Derravaragh rise, and it did really knock the pike fishing on the head. All going well the it will pick up in the coming days, and I hope to make my way down to Lough Iron for a day. Lough Iron is only fishable by boat, and produces some cracking pike over the winter months. It’s also a lovely trip down river on the Inny, and the river will also produce some good pike.
ERNE CLASSIC. One of Mullingars best known predator anglers Barry Darby did the business in the recent Two day Boat pike competition on Lough Erne. This years Erne Classic proved a huge success with Longford angler Liamonus Stoskus of Go & Catch Lithuanian Fishing club taking top rod, with a pike of 22lbs 2oz.Liamonus picked up a cool 2,000 pounds for his winning fish. Mullingar Angler Barry Darby finished 2nd with 17lbs 6oz, and Andrew Powell of Armagh was 3rd with 16lbs15oz.
DUBLIN PIKE ANGLERS. The Midlands is really proving a Hot Spot for pike anglers, and recently Dublin Pike Anglers held their first heat of their winter league on a Midland venue. On the day nineteen anglers ventured out and 198 pike were caught on the day with the best fish weighing 11lbs 10oz.Godfrey Donohue was top rod with 33 pike for 79lbs. That’s some fishing, and it on our doorstep.
ROD & GUN. Like many of my fellow anglers I also love the shooting game, and last Saturday November 1st we started the Pheasant shooting. Once again the annual longest bird took place in Murray’s Pub, and it was a very enjoyable evening. Mullingar shooter Kenny Hanlon had the longest Pheasant measuring 39inches. Paul “Tosser” Hoolihan was 2nd, and yours truly 3rd .A total of 12 prizes were presented, and T.P.Farrell presented Kenny with his array of prizes.
THAT’S IT. We will be going live later this week on Fish Talk T.V. and have full report and some fishy pics from the Reel Passion media team. Its certainly exciting times for angling here in the Midlands, and we are getting plenty of coverage on live television shows, and magazines, newspapers etc. Pike & Preadator magazine published in England features the Midland once again in the November issue, and we are getting good feedback from our angling friends from across the water. Tight lines till next week.
CONTACT. Mick Flanagan
Angling correspondent and photographer.
Mobile: 087-2797270
E mail mick@midlandangling.com
www.facebook.com/midlandangling