Welcome to the October report which includes; Good start to the winter Rainbow Trout fishing at the Annamoe winter league in Wicklow. Some fine Brown Trout reported from the Midland Trout Lakes in the last week of the season. Good rainbow Trout fishing reported from Ballinlough lough in Mayo. Good end of season Salmon fishing reported from rivers in the Foyle system. Good Bream fishing reported from the River Suck where some fish were radio tagged by the scientific unit of the Central Fisheries Board. Junior anglers from Dublin and the North enjoy excellent Pike fishing together on Lough Muckno. Well known English Pike angling writer Paul Gustafson lands a fine Pike of 23 lbs. 11 oz. on a lough in the Boyne Valley in Co. Cavan. Dutch and Belgium anglers enjoy good Pike fishing in the Boyle area of Co. Roscommon and on the River Inny near Lough Ree. Good Pike fishing reported from the Midland lakes.

Specimen Bass reported from Courtmacsherry. GAME ANGLING

Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
                      E-mail: info@fishingireland.net

Hazel Dobbyn reports:
Press Release                                                                                                                                    18th October 2006

THE HEAT IS ON! ANNAMOE TROUT FISHERY KICKS OFF THE SCIERRA WINTER LEAGUE QUALIFIERS
The first qualifying heat for the Scierra Winter League Fly Fishing competition took place on Saturday, 14th October at Annamoe Trout Fishery, Annamoe Co. Wicklow. The weather was unusually mild for this time of year giving a calm and overcast day with temperatures of 15 degrees. This resulted in water temperatures of 13 degrees, perfect for rainbow trout fishing!

The 16 competing anglers were eager to get started as soon as the whistle blew at 10.30am. During the course of the 4 hour competition, 44 fish were caught by 15 anglers. Anglers travelled long distances to compete including Tommy Noonan from Cashel, Co Tipperary. Tommy managed to land 4 of his 6 trout in the first hour of the competition! At the end of the competition, he landed 8 nice rainbows each averaging 1.5kgs and this bag was enough for him to become the overall winner. His method of fishing comprised of a floating line with a sink tip, boobies and dawson olive lures.

In second place was Derek Doyle from Greystones, Co. Wicklow with 5 trout caught on a similar line to Tommy along with a cat’s whisker and a twinkle hares ear. John Coughlan from Monasterevin, Co Kildare secured third place in the heat with 4 fish.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The next qualifying heat for the Scierra Winter League is scheduled to take place on SATURDAY, 21st OCTOBER in Annamoe Trout Fishery. Fishing times are 10.30am – 2.30pm (please arrive at 10am to draw pegs). The first 4 finishers in each heat will qualify for the grand final on Saturday 2nd December. The competition is catch and release only, single fly, barbless hooks, indicators not permitted. To sign up for the next heat, please contact Brian Nally, Annamoe Trout Fishery, 0404 45470

                                                ……Ends…..

Press Release                                                                                                                                    24th October 2006

SECOND HEAT OF THE ANNAMOE TROUT FISHERY SCIERRA WINTER LEAGUE
PROVES TO BE A CLOSE CONTEST

The second qualifying heat for the Scierra Winter League Fly Fishing competition took place on Saturday, 21st October at Annamoe Trout Fishery, Annamoe Co. Wicklow. It was another mild day at the fishery with water levels still holding at 13 degrees.

Anglers used small 18 size dries such as Klinkhammers, Caenis and Two Winged Midges to attract trout to the surface. Orange Fritz Lures were also a popular choice as trout are maturing.16 anglers took part in this heat resulting in 45 trout landed (33 released).

The competition proved to be very close as the top three anglers caught 4 fish each. The overall winner was Mick Francis of Blessington, Co Wicklow, closely followed by Jimmy Phillpot from New Ross, Co Wexford. Jimmy also caught the biggest fish weighing in at 2.25kg. In third place was Dermot McDermot from Dublin. All three anglers will now go forward to the Grand Final of the Scierra Winter League on Saturday, 2nd December.
Results:
Place    Name    Address    No. of fish    Points 1cm = 1pt.
   1    Mick Francis    Blessington , Co. Wicklow      4          170

   2    Jimmy Phillpot     New Ross , Co. Wexford      4                161

   3    Dermot Mc Dermot      Dublin      4               155

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The next qualifying heat for the Scierra Winter League is scheduled to take place on SATURDAY, 4th November at Annamoe Trout Fishery. Fishing times are 10.30am – 2.30pm (please arrive at 10am to draw pegs). The first 4 finishers in each heat will qualify for the grand final on Saturday 2nd December. The competition is catch and release only, single fly, barbless hooks, indicators not permitted. To sign up for the next heats, please contact Brian Nally, Annamoe Trout Fishery, 0404 45470

                                                ……Ends…..

Media enquiries: Hazel Dobbyn, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, 087 2746127
Notes to Editor:
Annamoe Trout Fishery is a 4 acre fly fishing lake set in the village of Annamoe, Co Wicklow on the banks of the Avonmore River.

The Fishery consists of a fly fishing lake and a Junior Bait Pond. The fly fishing lake is open all year round allowing you to fish f
or brown or rainbow trout from 10am till dusk. Angling equipment is available for hire and flycasting tuition can be arranged by prior appointment. Corporate outings are also welcomed. The Junior Bait pond is open from 12.00pm until 6.00pm during weekends in April, May and September and 7 days a week during June and July.
Phone / Fax 353 404-45470
E-mail: annamoefishery@eircom.net

Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
                        E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

Brian McManus reports:

http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/guides/game/fishing-reports.htm

October 25th, 2006

UPPER SHANNON
LOUGH SHEELIN
A few nice fish were caught by pleasure anglers on Sheelin over the past week of the season. Eoin Reynolds had the best reported fish of the week at 6.75 lbs on a sedge. Eamon Connors Co Meath had 5 small fish, all released. Thomas Lynch LSTPA caught and released 3 fish in the region of 4 lbs.  
The Cavan/Monaghan Garda Divisional Fly Fishing Championship open competition was fished by 83 anglers on Saturday October 7th.  The competition was for 1: the Heaviest Fish (Visitors) and 2: the Heaviest Fish (Cavan/Monaghan Division Garda Members). It was won by Garda Sec, Garda Dessie Mc Entee, Monaghan with a trout of 1.5lbs. In the visitors section the results were
1st Place: Mr Laurance Barkley Co Armagh with a fish of 2.75 lbs
2nd Place: Mr Cathal Rush, Co Armagh with a fish of 1.75 lbs
3rd Place: Mr John McGorian, N. Ireland with a fish of 1 lb 10 ozs
4th Mr Thomas Lynch LSTPA with a fish of 1.5 lbs.
For updates contact Mr Sean Gurhy, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Lough Sheelin Tel: 049 4336144
MID SHANNON AREA
LOUGH ENNELL
Rex Beaumont Cup, 8th October, 35 anglers caught 10 fish.
Results were
1st Place: Tommy Winters, London with a fish of 4.29 lbs
2nd Place: Jim Brennan, Longford with a fish of 3.39 lbs.
3rd Place: Seamus Eighan, Rochfordbridge with a fish of 3.20 lbs.
4th Place: Christy Sleator, Mullingar with a fish of 2.63 lbs.
5th Place: Mick Flanagan, Mullingar with a fish of 2.04 lbs.
For other news see column Michael Flanagan below.
For updates contact Pat Mc Donnell, Fisheries Officer Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mullingar Office Tel: 044 9348769 mornings
LOUGH ACALLA CO GALWAY
Only a few anglers fished Lough Acalla. A few fish were reported caught on Murrough sedges.
For updates contact John Devaney, Assistant Fisheries Inspector, Roscommon 087 2266735
Mick Flanagan, Angling Correspondent for the Westmeath Topic and Sunday World Newspaper Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on Midland Lakes & Rivers.
ROGERS TOP GARDA ON ENNELL …..     
Its official the wild brown trout season has finished and we have an action packed report from the last few days of the 2006 season. Once again we are featuring colourful shots of local anglers with their catches The Garda angling club were patrolling Lough Ennell on Tuesday 10th October, and it was Coralstown angler Barry Rogers who nabbed top prize on the day. Derravaragh anglers were also in action with some nice trout returned for the last few days.  
DERRAVARAGH ANGLERS….
There was a good turn out of anglers on Derravaragh for the last few days of the 2006 season and some of the top prizes were up for grabs on Sunday 8th October. Local trout hot-shot Liam Gilsenan topped the day with a trout weighing 2 lbs 6oz. This fish won Liam the Stonehall Cup. Another local trout expert John Cooke had a nice fish weighing 1 lb 11 ozs to take home the Tightlines trophy. Ken Evans hooked-up with a fish 1 lb 2 ozs and received the Kevin Prendergast Cup. Now that the trout season has finished on Derravaragh the anglers are gearing up for the Winter pike competitions.  
GARDA PATROL ON ENNELL….
On Tuesday the Garda Trout & Salmon angling club hosted their end of season competition on Lough Ennell. The Garda club fish many competitions over the season and it’s always very competitive in the ranks to come out top Rod over the season. This year local garda Barry Rogers who lives in Coralstown and is based in Kinnegad topped the season with a cracking trout from Ennell weighing 5 lbs 4 oz.  This fish won Barry the Senan P Finucane Perpetual Cup for the heaviest trout of the season and the Ulster Bank Shield as the Top Garda angler in the Trout & Salmon Garda angling Club. Mick Bradley finished 2nd to Barry on Ennell with a trout 2 lbs.5 oz and Pat Sweeney came 3rd with 1 lbs.15 oz.  The Garda Trout & Salmon Anglers would like to thank all their members for supporting their competitions over the 2006 season and especially Saint Raphaels Garda Credit Union for all their sponsorship over the season.
 ENNELL END OF SEASON….
On October 12th Lough Ennell anglers held an open sweep trout competition which was kindly sponsored by Niall Caffrey and Tommy Blyth. On the day a good turn out of anglers fished and some nice trout rose to the occasion. Top Rod on Ennell with a fish 2 lbs 8 oz was Aidan Heffernan from Dublin. In second place was Declan Mc Loren with a trout weighing 1 lbs. 8 oz and 3rd Alan Tyrrell with a trout weighing 1 lbs. 6 oz.  The presentation of prizes were held in Caffrey’s Bar & Lounge where all anglers were treated to some much needed sambos. John Tyrrell competition captain L.E.T.P.A. thanked all who fished Ennell on the last day and especially Niall Caffrey and staff.
On Thursday October 12th Lough Owel anglers were in action. On the day Owel anglers fished a trout competition in aid of their stocking funds. It proved a huge success with over €500.00 raised on the day. As it turned out some super trout also featured with popular taxi driver from Dublin Eugene Fagan topping the day with a cracking trout weighing 3 lbs 6 oz, 2nd was Mullingar angler Brendan Murray with another super trout weighing 3 lbs. 3 oz and 3rd was yet another Mullingar trout expert Billy Darby with a fish 3 lbs 2 oz. I had a bit of luck myself and finished 4th with a fish of 2 lbs 3 oz. This fish was in mint condition and it’s a long time since I’ve seen such a beautiful marked trout. The winner of the heaviest gross weight of fish was Brendan Murray with 3-trout for just over 6 lbs., a fantastic bag of fish for the end of season.  For this Brendan picked up the Jack Doolan prize. The junior winner on Lough Owel was Christopher Cox from Multyfarnham. Once again Caffrey’s bar & Lounge was the venue for the presentation of prizes, and Lough Owel Chairman Andy Boyle thanked all who supported the competition on the day, especially all who sponsored prizes and took entries on the day. These included T.P.Farrell, Jack Doolan, David O’Malley, Lakeland Anglers, Jerry Murphy Lough Conn, L.O.T.P.A. Andy Duncan and Angling Focus.

North Western Region: E Mail: info@nwrfb.com
                                     Web: www.northwestfisheries.ie
Markus Muller reports:
Angling Report – w/e 15 October, 2006
Ballinlough Fishery

Fishing on the Lough has been excellent this week. Sixteen rods fished for the week landing a total of 87 trout, 48 of which were released.

Mike Bourke and friend, Co. Galway, caught 21 trout (15 returned) with best at 3.75 lbs. Brian Jameson and P.J. Marsh, Co. Meath, had 16 fish (10 released). Their heaviest fish weighed in at 3 lbs. John Crowley and friend from County Mayo had 8 fish (5 released), best at 2.75 lbs and Brendan Smith & partner, Co. Sligo, landed 13 trout, 9 of which they released.
 
Best flies for the week were Moy Bumble, Bibio, Delphi, Golden Olive
Bumble, Orange Dabbler and Green Peter patterns.

Ballinlough Fishery remains open till the end of October and fishing can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.  

Angling Report – w/e 22 October, 2006

Ballinlough Fishery

Angling activity on Ballin Lough was very good during the last week. Forty-four rods fished for the week landing a total of 25 trout, 9 of which were released.

Paul Caslin and Colm Peyton, Castlebar, caught 6 trout (3 returned) with best at 1.75 lbs. Mr. Fitzgerald and friend, Westport, had 2 fish (both released) including a cracking 7 lbs. rainbow trout. Successful flies included Silver Sedge, Finnish Lady, Green Peter and Muddler patterns.

Westport Trout Anglers held a competition during the week for the Pat Fitzgerald Cup. Twenty-four anglers took part in the competition which was won by Martin Walsh with 3 trout weighing in at 4.5 lbs. The cup was presented by the family of the late Pat Fitzgerald, Buckfield, Kilmeena, a former member of Westport Trout Anglers. Further results were: 2nd Toby Gibbons; 3rd Tom Bourke, 4th Sean Moogan. Westport Trout Anglers intend making the competition an annual event.

The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA), in association with The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, held an introductory course for ladies interested in fly fishing on Saturday, 21 October on the lake. An indoor session where participants were introduced to the basics of fly fishing and casting was followed by a practical casting session on the lake shore.
 
Ballinlough Fishery remains open till the end of October and fishing can be arranged by contacting Mrs. Gill at 098 26128.  

Lough’s Agency: Web: http://www.loughs-agency.org
                         E Mail: declan@loughs-agency.org

Lionel Knobbs, Loughs Agency Angling Manager reports:
Friday 23th October

Foyle Catchment
River Mourne and tributaries
Reports on this end of season week are very promising with some fantastic catches on the Derg, Mourne and Owenkillew. To start with visiting anglers Art Cummings and Larry Swire from (Birmingham) on a three day fishing trip to the Mourne and Derg guided by Ian Gamble caught a total of 30 Salmon and 20 Trout all on fly and all released back safely back to the water bar one. Larry and Art informed me that the Salmon they caught weighed up to 10.5 lbs and the Trout up to 1.5lbs and they would like to thank Ian for helping make there fishing trip one they will never forget and stated that a good Guide is a must for visitors, the varying tactics on Fly size and depth to fish demonstrated by Ian seem to be one of the main tactics that got us the results we dreamed of as we moved from one section of river to an other Geoff Downey (Bready) two Salmon from the Owenkillew averaging 10.5 lbs, Sonny Downey (Bready) caught and released a 10.5 fish from the Owenkillew and James Compton (Banbridge) caught and released two Grilse on the Fly from the upper section of the Derg.
E-mail:info@anglingadventuresireland.com
River Dennet
The Dennet fished well during the past week leading up to the close of play for another season. Among the anglers landing fish this week was newcomer to the sport Kevin McCullough (Donemana) landing a 4lb Grilse on a Spinner from the Carry pool, Paul Wilkinson (Donemana) caught and released two Salmon averaging 8lbs from the Carry pool, Charlie Loge (Donemana) 7.5lb Fish from the Tullyard section of the river, David O’Neil (Donemana) two fish averaging 6lbs from the Carry pool on Spinners and John Gilmore (L’Derry) two small Grilse caught and released on the Fly from the White Walls section of the river and a fresh run 1.5lb Sea Trout on the Fly from the same section of the Dennet.
info@anglingadventuresireland.com

Donneybrewer Fishery

Reports this week of regular catches from visiting anglers to this weekly stocked Rainbow Trout fishery. Ian Gamble fishery manager informs me that he has stocked this week with Steal Heads and Rainbows up to 10lbs.
info@anglingadventuresireland.com

Cashel Trout Fishery report by Marlene Mc Laughlin

James Kelly (Feeny) was angler of the week landing a clonker weighing 7 lb 11 ozs.  James also continued to bank three other nice trout using the Pink Frits, Frankie Murphy (Feeny) bagged two trout weighing 4 lb 6 ozs and released two others which all took a Daddy’s Young Chris Dougan (Dungiven) released seven trout, which took Buzzers while Bobby, and Trevor Scott (Coleraine) had a total of nine trout between them using small Brown Dries. They took four fish home in total, which weighed almost 8 lb. Aidy Askin (Culmore) had an amazing ten trout taking two home which weighed 4 lb 4 ozs while Damien Donnelly (Draperstown) bagged two nice one which weighed about 2 lb each Damien was using a black/red Montana. Well done to all this weekend 12 fingers crossed for a tagged trout

Breakfast is now being served at Cashel in the comfort of an open log fire with plenty of craic

Info and enquiries to Marlene
17 Birren Road, Dungiven, Co L’Derry, BT47 4SH
Tel/Fax: Dungiven 02877 742159
Email: casheltrout@hotmail.com
www.cashellakeview.com

Carlingford Catchment

The big news this week has to be Dermot Brady’s 12 lb Bass from Greenore a specimen for the species and the Lough and its good to see that the bass are still around our shores, the unseasonably mid weather maybe having a beneficial effect in extending our season. Mackerel can still be taken from a boat in the deep water in the shipping channel and right through the winter these deep-water marks will throw up a variety of species. Lough Brickland is fishing well to fry pattern fished on an intermediate line and with the thick weed starting to die back its well worth a throw before the end of the month. The new platforms at Camlough are coming on well and should be a great place for anglers of all abilities to fish. Finally White Water is hoping for rain before the end of the month to fish its best.

Info and enquiries to
Oriel Angling
3 Great Georges Avenue
Warrenpoint, County Down
BT34 3HY
Email: info@orielangling.com
www.orielangling.com

Further information contact;
Lionel Knobbs
Angling Development Manager
Lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
Mob: 07736374131
www.loughs-agency.org

COARSE ANGLING

Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
                        E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

Brian McManus reports:
http://www.shannon-fisheryboard.ie/guides/coarse/fishing-reports.htm

October 25th, 2006

UPPER SHANNON

ShRFB Reports for the Upper Shannon Region
Water levels are quite high but fishable with few reports received. The Boyle canal is fishing well.
Kevin Lyons, MELVIEW LODGE GUESTHOUSE, Drumlish Road, Clonrollagh, Co Longford Tel: 003534345061 Email:  info@melviewlodge.com Web: http://www.melviewlodge.com  covering fisheries in the LONGFORD AREA and the STROKESTOWN LAKES
Coarse fishing season is over for the winter months, join us for further reports from Melview lodge in February, 2007.
MID SHANNON AREA
Meelick Magic reported by two Roscrea anglers
Francis Cummins & Tom Delaney of Roscrea fished the bay just below the pumphouse at Meelick beside the moored boat on Friday 13th October. They bagged 74 lbs. and 56 lbs. of mainly roach & perch with 1 bream of 6 lbs. 5 ozs. They used 6m pole to hand using size 18 hook & red maggot as bait. It was a fish a chuck as the fish moved into the bay from the flow.
The ShRFB reports for Ray Duthie Old
Forge Banagher, Bait Stockist, Tackle and ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER Tel: 057 9151504.  BANAGHER area this week.
The river Shannon is at a fishable level for the time of year but is pulling quite hard in the main flow. Shannon harbour is fishing between the point of the River Brosna and the Grand Canal. Banagher Marina is fishing well for mixed fish, Roach, Perch, Skimmers. This is a good winter stretch and worth trying.
Dr. Joe Caffrey, senior Research Officer with the Central Fisheries Board reports on a recent fish in on the River Suck and the radio tagging of Bream near Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon.
Studying the Bream Movements in the River Suck

In the past the River Suck was renowned among Irish, but more particularly among English, anglers for the quantity and quality of the bream that it supported. Coarse fishermen from angling strongholds throughout England would programme their working, and occasionally their family, lives around their planned fishing trips to the River Suck. The quarry was the large shoals of hard fighting, disease free bream that patrolled this wide and deep natural river corridor from Shannonbridge to north of Dunamon.

During the 1970s and early 80s, upwards of 200, mainly English, anglers would fill the hotels and B Bs in the vicinity of Ballinasloe to participate in the week-long Ballinasloe Gala. Bream catches during weeks like this would be calculated in tonnes. Apart from competition angling, pleasure anglers flocked to the Suck valley, where many recorded their first 100 lbs of bream.

In the 1990s and early 2000s the picture changed. The large shoals of bream that were the mainstay of the tourism industry in this part of the country apparently vanished. With them went the tourist anglers. The reason for the apparent demise in bream stocks in the river remains unclear, although theories including the impact of peat siltation, eutrophication and predation, among countless others, abound.

In an effort to determine the current status of bream stocks in the River Suck, a joint study has been undertaken by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and the Central Fisheries Board. The first phase of this work has already commenced and a number of bream from ‘The Bends’ at Ballyforan have had radio transmitter tags inserted in their body cavity. The bream were caught on rod and line by Fisheries Board staff, aided and abetted by local angler and former organiser of the Ballinasloe fishing festival, Tony Ellis.  Over two days, very good numbers of Bream ranging in size from 12 oz up to over 3 lbs. were caught mainly on worm and maggot with only small number of Hybrids and Roach.  The tags emit radio signals that can be tracked by Board staff as they patrol the river.

By tracking the movements of these bream over a period of approximately 18 months (the life span of the tag), it will be possible to make informed comment on the normal day-to-day movements of these bream in the river. The tracking study will also shed light on the nature and extent of feeding and of spawning migrations. Should the bream decide to vacate the area the tags will enable us to follow their movements and, hopefully, to understand why they have felt it necessary to move on.

These radio tracking studies are using state of the art technology with a view to providing useful information on the status, distribution and movement trends of River Suck bream. The results will help inform management plans for the fishery and will provide hitherto unknown insights into the secret life of the River Suck bream.

PIKE ANGLING

Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
                      E-mail: info@fishingireland.net

Press Release                                                                                                                        23rd October 2006

BRINGING TWO COMMUNITIES TOGETHER…
YOUNG ANGLERS SHOW GREAT PROMISE AT MONAGHAN YOUTH ANGLING PEACE INITIATIVE COMPETITION
The Monaghan Youth Angling Peace Initiative held a pike fishing competition on Saturday, 21st October at Lough Muckno, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. The event was organised and sponsored by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board with funding from the Peace II Reconciliation Fund in conjunction with Angling First, a charity based in Northern Ireland encouraging young people from both communities to take part in angling. More than 30 young anglers from communities north and south of the border took part in the competition on White Island, a prolific fishing location on the lake.  All competitors were spilt into North South pairs, making it a team effort. The sun shone on the young anglers as a variety of fishing methods were used in an effort to catch a big pike. All teams were supplied with a gift pack of floats, lures and bait to ensure they all had an equal chance of landing a pike.

It was Alan Bird from Dundalk that caught the first fish of the day. The 7 lb pike put up a brave fight but Alan managed to land and release the fish with advice from the competition stewards. His partner Adam Miller from Banbridge, Co. Down was delighted with the catch and both anglers hoped their fish would not be beaten! Their place was save as the second fish caught weighed in at 5 lbs 8 oz. It was caught by Stuart Jess from Craigavon who was partnered with Richard Coughlan from Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Matt Campbell from Dundalk Brown Trout Anglers Association provided welcome sustenance for the young competitors with delicious sausage sandwiches cooked by the side of the lake. This must have provided an extra boost as the third fish was caught shortly after by Robert Sloan from Banbridge, Co. Down. The fish was a winner as it weighed in at 10 lbs 9 oz. Robert was partnered with Craig Doherty from Dundalk.

The competition ended at 4.00 pm and the competitors were treated to a well-earned dinner in Hope Castle followed by a prize giving. A fantastic array of prizes were on offer including top quality Shimano rod and reels which were presented to the winners by Mr. Paddy Greene, Fisheries Inspector for the district, Des Chew, Dublin Angling Initiative and Mark McGivern, Angling First.

Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative was delighted with how the day went: ‘This competition provided a fantastic opportunity to build relationships between communities in the North and South and for the representative youth groups to share their experiences and angling knowledge. We had some great fishing here today and all competitors thoroughly enjoyed the event – I hope we can organise more of these events in the future. I would like to sincerely thank Hope Castle and all the Stewards from Castleblayney, Angling First, Dundalk Brown Trout Angler’s Association, the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and finally, Monaghan Tourism who kindly contributed funds to the event’
……..Ends……
For further press information, please contact Hazel Dobbyn, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, 087 2746127 or Des Chew, 087 6740214
Notes to Editor:
Competition Results:
Overall Winner: Robert Sloan, 13 years, Banbridge & Craig Doherty, 16 years, Dundalk, 1 pike, 10 lbs 9 oz
Second Place: Alan Bird, 15 years, Dundalk, Co. Louth & Adam Miller, 12 ye
ars, Banbridge, Co. Down, 1 pike, 7 lbs
Third Place: Stuart Jess, 14 years, Craigavon & Richard Coughlan, 14 years, Dundalk, 1 pike, 5 lbs 8 oz
Heaviest Fish Caught: Robert Sloan, Banbridge, 10 lbs 9 oz
Smallest Fish Caught: Stuart Jess, Craigavon, 5 lbs 8 oz
 From the Co. Meath website on Fishing & accommodation in county Meath Ireland: http://www.fishinginireland.net/fishing_reports

Mark O’Regan
Guide and Instructor for salmon, trout and pike fishing.                          Notes: Home waters include the River Boyne and its tributaries.          Address: Cranmore, Dunderry Road, Trim, Co. Meath.
Telephone: 353 46 9431635                                                                      
When 3 hardened pikers join forces sparks should fly

Report posted on Tuesday, October 17, 2006
By: Marc O’Regan – Contact –
Today we had the pleasure of taking well known fishing guru and Pike writer Paul Gustafson from the UK out for a days piking with a film crew. A dull overcast day with temperatures ranging from 14 centigrade to 16 with very little click in the day, however the initial contact was scintillating with varying views and ideas discussed on how things would pan out throughout the day. The definites were discussed, wind, water temperature, seiche, water clarity and of course the best possible technique to compliment the foregoing. The game plan was agreed, the camera crew set up and the battle was joined. After just one hour it was evident that we were going to struggle and a little apprehension began to creep in about 12 o clock in the knowledge that rain was definitely on the way and an evening that was going to close in very quickly. At 1245 the window of opportunity opened and Paul quickly had 4 fish to boat up to 2 o clock the best weighing it at a credible 23 lbs and 11 ounces. Good footage, great craic and a very memorable fishing day spent in the company of one of the best… well nearly.

Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
                        E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

Brian McManus reports:
http://www.shannon-fisheryboard.ie/guides/coarse/fishing-reports.htm

October 25th, 2006
UPPER SHANNON
There was good pike fishing in the Boyle area over the last few weeks. Many of our angling guests had nice double figure pike and also some fish over 20 lbs. A Pike of 21 lbs fish was caught and released by German angler Juergen Schneider in late September.
Mark and Herman from the Netherlands spent a days piking with me and caught fish to 12 lbs, while Mark also caught his first pike on the fly. This is truly a great way of catching pike so why don’t you give it a go this autumn.
Jeff Anderson, Bewdley, Worcestershire, Tel Number: 01299 400725 Email Address: jeffanderson738@btinternet.com reports on the Boyle Lakes, Co Roscommon
“Myself and my companion, Keith Adams have just returned from a weeks pike fishing in the Boyle area, under the guidance of Bodo Funke’s Angling Services Ireland. We had a superb week with a number of doubles up to the fifteen pound mark from a variety of lakes in the area. Whilst the fishing at times was hard, (with a lot of smaller fish around than we have become used to), the superb scenery of the Loughs and the hospitality received was as excellent as ever. The majority of our fish fell to trolled artificials, whilst the bigger fish invariably came to deadbaits. Mid October is a funny time for pike in Ireland, the lures are less effective than in the summer and the fish are not yet on the bottom for effective deadbating. Cannot wait for our next visit.”
INNY BAY B&B reports on fishing in the lower River Inny and Lough Ree
Four anglers from Saint-Marie, Bornem, Belgium Marc & Rudy Heymans, Jan Boey & Francois De Meulder had a great weeks pike fishing on the Inny. They caught a total of 109 pike in 6 days.  Best pike were Marc – 110cm and over 10 kg weight, Francois – 2 x 80cm, Rudy – 100cm, 8.5 kg, Marc  – 90 cm,  Rudy – 90cm
Mick Flanagan, Angling Correspondent for the Westmeath Topic and Sunday World Newspaper Tel: 087 2797270: mick@midlandangling.com reports on Midland Lakes & Rivers.
SPOOKY PIKE FROM WESTMEATH WATERS ….
Seeing that Halloween weekend is upon us it’s best we start by wishing all you fellow anglers a happy Halloween. As we mentioned last weekend we took time out from the successful pike competition on Ennell and held over the report till this week. Also Derravaragh anglers were in action and some visiting anglers from “Hollywood” Co Wicklow hooked-up with some monster midland pike.
On Sunday October 15th Lough Ennell trout Preservation Association hosted their annual pike competition. Up for grabs on the day was the Con Hope Perpetual Cup. It proved a huge success with some cracking Midland Monster turning up on the day. Fishing was from 11am-5pm and from the start anglers were hooking up with pike, mind you mostly jacks but as the day progressed some Monsters went on the feed. At lunch time local Postman David Tyrrell from Ginnell terrace was in full control with a super pike weighing 18 lbs 8 oz, I saw David and younger brother Alan in the distance tackling this pike well out from the Burrow Hill area. At this stage myself and angling pal Con Hope were only entertaining small pike, but this changed with a bang. I am always inclined to work the lure when pike fishing and try and keep it moving and jerking from time to time. Over the years I have found great success with this method. As it turned out I got a very hard strike on one of my “Bulldogs”. After a lengthy battle I managed to entice the fish to the net and Con netted the fish. The beast was a cracking 23 lbs 3 oz Midland Monster. For the record we had 10 pike all falling to Bulldogs, except 2 jacks which took silver & copper spoons. The full results of the Con Hope Cup were 1st Mick Flanagan 23 lbs 3 oz, 2nd David Tyrrell 18 lbs 8 oz, 3rd Andy Boyle 10 lbs 15 oz and 4th Con Hope 6 lbs 11 oz.  The junior section was well represented and we have some fine young anglers coming on line. Top Rod in the Juniors was Cormac Murray 6 lbs 12 oz, 2nd Oisin Tyrrell 4 lbs 8 oz, 3rd Niall Tyrell 3 lbs, and 4th Pearce Coroon 1 lbs 8 oz.  In the coming week the annual Christmas pike competition will be fished on Ennell, more on this at a later stage.
MURTAGH CUP DERRAVARAGH….
Last Sunday on Derravaragh the popular Conor Murtagh Cup was fished. This pike competition once again proved a huge success. Mind you the Derravaragh pike were very elusive. It was a glorious day on Derravaragh with little or no wind and the sun actually came through the clouds from time to time. It proved a very difficult day to get the pike moving and personally I never touched a fish. Once again top Derravaragh piker John Corcoran produced the goods with a pike 10 lbs 8 oz, in second place was Multyfarnham angler Ben Ledwith with a fish of 9lbs, 3rd was top predator angler Barry Darby with 6 lbs 8oz, 4th Irish Specimen pike holder Larry Kelly 6 lbs. and 5th Derravaragh Secretary Paddy Ward 5 lbs 8 oz. Once again the junior section was well represented with young Emma Ledwith topping the day with a pike 4 lbs 8 oz, 2nd Thomas Brennan 3 lbs. and 4th James Henry. The presentation of prizes was held in Murtagh Bar & Lounge, and Conor and Susan Murtagh and their excellent
staff really gave the anglers a great welcome. The refreshments were top class.  Jimmy Nally Chairman of Derravaragh thanked all who supported the competition and over the coming weeks plenty more pike competition are pencilled in.
WEIRS CUP….
On Sunday next October 29th the Weir Cup will be fished on Derravaragh. This again is another highlight of the Derravaragh Anglers winter pike competition scene. With the time changing next weekend it’s a 10 am start and finishing at 3-30pm.The presentation of prizes will be held in Weirs Bar & Lounge. Remember it’s a bank holiday weekend so if you need boat & engine hire book in advance. Paul Smith Donore 086-823-0363 or Sally Meehan 044-93-71154.Unfortunally I most likely will be away for this years Weirs Cup, so all the best to you fellow anglers.
HOLLYWOOD ANGLERS IN WESTMEATH…
Last week a group of friends from Hollywood Co Wicklow were staying in Mullingar. The lads were trying their hand at pike fishing Midland style, and boy did the Midland pike turn on the style. On the day there were in the company of local anglers Pat Keenaghan, Paul Moran and my younger brother J.J. These three heroes really know the local waters and put the lads over some cracking pike.   The best pushing 25 lbs landed by Michael Davoren from Hollywood Co Wicklow who was fishing with J.J.   Blessington angler Terry Tyrrell who hooked up with a cracking 14 lbs pike on the same day. We are told the group normally go on sea fishing trips but decided to check out the Midlands. The group leader was Robbie Marlow, and his brother Andy lives in Ballymahon and is based in Longford Army Barracks. I have fished with Andy Marlow on a number of occasions and I am sure the lads will be back in Mullingar very soon. They really enjoyed their stay in Westmeath’s capital, where they wined and dined late into the nights we are told. Top marks to Kerrigan’s B&B where the lads stayed, Druids Chair where they dined, Caffrey’s Bar & Lounge, & Mo-Joes night club where they really enjoyed the crack. As you can see you don’t have to go to “Hollywood” to have a good time.

SEA ANGLING

South Western Region:

Charter skipper, Mark Gannon reports on some recent deep sea fishing with his clients out from COURTMACSHERRY E-mail: csal@iol.ie  Web: http://angling.erin.ie/Courtmac.htm

Hi ALL, Weather very broken at the moment with the east and south east winds making fishing difficult, mackerel are still plentiful with good shoals of joeys.  Yesterday the 14th October with a group led by Brian Mc Cabe from Dublin, we fished in the inner bay due to conditions. Conger, ling, dogfish, Pollack and cod to 9 lbs were caught.  Keeping the joeys alive in the tank we decided to try for bass in the estuary from the moorings.
We had good success last week on one session we landed 20 fish. We started fishing at 5.30pm just before low water and our optimism increased when we met Kevin Hanly who had on board a fine bass of 6 lbs and returned another 4 fish using a spinner.  At 6.30 we had the first run but lost him, then landed a fine bass of 6 lbs, lost another few but the minute the live mackerel were in the water the bass were taking and running like hell.  The next fish landed was a fine Specimen of 10.5 lbs. the first Specimen bass landed from the Lady Louise.  The tally was 4 fish landed and 7 lost.  The captor of the Specimen was Michael Mc Cabe from Darndale and was thrilled with his first Specimen

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Paul Bourke

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