Angling Notes: Probably the largest and most worthy angling competition in Ireland is scheduled to take place next Sunday in Co Wicklow.
Newbridge and District Pike Anglers' Association is holding an open charity pike competition at Poulaphouca Lake from which all proceeds will be donated to the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Co Dublin.
Over the past seven years the competition has raised a staggering 60,000. The 252 contestants at last year's competition dug deep to raise 15,000 towards this cause.
While the event is open to all anglers, novice or otherwise, the competition will carry ranking points for club members. Standard federation rules will apply and all legal methods for catching pike will be acceptable on the day.
The day starts off at 10.30 a. m. and continues until 4 p. m. Check-in begins in the viewing carpark on the Blessington/Baltinglass road from 9.30 a.m. The presentation of prizes and raffle follows in the Poulaphouca House pub from 5.30 p.m.
Senior competitors will compete for the Michael Cregg Memorial Trophy and 500, while juniors ply for the Boland Cup and 250. Entry fee for seniors is a minimum of 15 and 7 for juniors.
According to secretary, John O'Connor, the Newbridge club is financially sound and seven years ago decided to raise money for a worthy charity. "We are delighted to be involved with the National Children's Hospital," he said.
Recently, the club donated 500 to the Dublin Angling Initiative. which it strives to promote and develop the sport of angling, particularly junior angling, in the Dublin metropolitan region under the guidance of administrator, Des Chew.
During the current spell of hard frost and regardless of how cold it is, anglers are reminded by the Irish Water Safety Association: there is no such thing as safe ice! Fishing on the frozen surface of a river, lake or canal is not a normal part of winter living here. Remember, even if ice is a foot thick in one area of a lake, it can be less than one inch thick just a few metres away.
For further information on safety procedures visit: www.iws.ie
As and from yesterday, the EU has banned air passengers from taking fishing rods onto planes, according to the BBC News website. Snooker cues, ski poles and skateboards are among a lengthy list of items to be banned as the EU harmonises different air-safety provisions among the 15-member states.
"Ensuring air passenger safety is our top priority. All these items could be used as weapons by terrorists," according to Jim Dougal, head of EU commission in the UK.
"Rathbeggan Refreshed" is the slogan as proprietor David Robinson sets out his stall for the new year with a host of new projects.
This popular put-and-take fishery at Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, will cater for some super rainbows, between seven and 12lb, over the coming months. A tagging competition during this month will carry a prize of 500 for the angler catching the specified tagged fish.
On a more sombre note, Rathbeggan has received notification from the NRA that a new motorway is scheduled to pass through the fishery. Work is due to begin next year. Enjoy the tranquillity at Rathbeggan now, as it may be very different post-construction, according to Robinson.
The Trout Anglers' Federation of Ireland (TAFI) will hold its a.g.m. in the Shamrock Lodge House Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath, next Sunday at 2 p.m. All affiliated clubs are requested to attend with two delegates.