The recently formed Belturbet Angling & Conservation Club held their inaugural, boat only, open pike match on the River Erne – The “Phil Fitzpatrick” memorial match – in memory of the former owner of the Cosy Bar in Belturbet. It was held over the weekend of 3rd /4th March, 2012, around Belturbet.
And what a fantastic weekend it turned out to be! Although only fourteen boats turned up, all went home with smiles on their faces and clutching cash, trophy and tackle prizes.
172 pike caught over 2 days for a total weight in excess of 820 pounds. The biggest individual fish weighed in at a very respectable 20 pounds.
Due to strict rules and zealous stewarding all 172 fish were returned in perfect condition. 5 weighing stations were located at strategic points along the bank whilst 2 boats equipped with scales and weigh slings patrolled continuously.
This is obviously a match not to be missed in the future – destined to be bigger and better, along with the consequential rise in prize monies.
The largest pike caught over the weekend – 20lbs. Caught by Joe McDermott on Saturday 3rd March, 2012.
