PAC

2010-10-11T13:41:00.001-07:00

RA111 2010/2011 Events

October 24th - Lough Lene (Westmeath)
November 25th - Regional Meeting (Armagh Fire Station)
December 28th - Lough Erne (Enniskillen)
January 28th - Guest Speaker (Armagh Firestation) [color=red]to be confirmed[/color]
February 26th - Loughs Agency Camlough Event (Camlough) [color=red]to be confirmed[/color]
March 24th - Regional Meeting (Armagh Fire Station)
April 23rd/24th - End of year bash (Lough Ree)
June 26th - Tope Trip (Carlingford)

Erne Fish-in report

2010-01-09T23:52:00.000-08:00

7 pikers braved the conditions down on the Erne on Dec 28th, not a lot to report except we all froze in the sub artic conditions
As you can see from the photo's the conditions were still and foggy but it didn't deter 6 men travelling a round trip of nearly 200 miles to try their luck, that was a major achievement in itself.

Two of us sat it out on a jetty but nothing took our baits, It was hard conditions all round with Davy Mac having the only run of the day when his bait was lifted but alas on the strike he lifted into thin air, or should that be water there will be better days

Erne Fishin 28th December 09

2009-12-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

Time to get the woolly warmers on for the regions last event of 2009, this was a great success last year with the best fish falling just over 22lb for local angler Ian Coulter.

The Erne catchment runs through the town of Enniskillen and with plenty of productive swims both bank and boat to choose from any thing could happen.

Boats will be launching at the ‘Round O’ around 8am, but if your as keen as I am and fancy wetting a line before this then we are all meeting up back at the Round O' around 16.30 for one of Gerry’s infamous BBQ’s.

Type 'Erne Tours' into google map for directions.

Hope to see you all there……….

Thursday, 10th Dec 09

2009-12-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

True to his word Phil Wakeford took the long journey from England to present an inspirational slide show in Armagh's new fire station on Thursday evening. It was plain to see that Phil has a deep passion towards Esox and even though he enjoys other species he finds nothing more pleasing than a big hen resting on the unhooking mat in all her glory.

After a succesful 3 years as the PAC President Phil continues to show his commitment towards the sport, and with an early retirement on the cards I'm sure there will be many more stories to be enjoyed over a pint of black stuff.

All monies collected at the door were presented to the Fire station's benevolent fund in a way of appreciation for the continued use of the new complex.

RA111's Committee wishes to thank Phil for the effort put in to help support the region and look forward to him visiting next year to attend one of the Regions annual Tope fishin's.

2009-11-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Support your Region!!

2009-11-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

RA93/RA111 Inter Regional Fish in

2009-10-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

The PAC inter region fish in was finally here and 15 Scotts from RA93 arrived to cause disruption on the shores of our Irish lakes. There were plenty of fish caught with biggest going to our own R.O. at 17.5lb.

Words from Sandy Mackie RA93's R.O. "A big thanks to the guys of ra111 for your hospitality and help at this
years lough muckno event.
We had a brilliant weeks fishing thanks due to you lads sorting out access
for us and your advice on tactics was duely noted with a few good doubles
caught over the week.
A special thanks goes to Gerry,the man who got out his bed
at 4am to meet us at six and show us down to our swims(your a star m8).

As usual Saturday was bbq night,and you guys sure know how to put a bbq
on,the burgers along with a few beers gave way to some awesome banter
and a cracking night for all.

The lads of ra93 thank you all very much indeed and cant wait till next
years trip.

See you all soon

Sandy "

2009-09-07T12:57:00.001-07:00

09/10 Events
PAC Convention 26th. September, 2009-08-23 (individual travel arrangements this year.)
(Region report and photos for all attending?)

Inter- Regional Fish-in- RA111 Vs. RA93- Lough Muckno- W/end 8th. October, 2009.(Boat and bank. Bivvy or personal accommodation arrangements only.)

Loughs Agency (L.A.) / PAC joint Pike Comp.- Camlough Lake, Newry, Co. Armagh- Sat., 14th. November, . Boat and bank- PAC to agree comp. Rules with L.A. invitation to all N.I. pike clubs

PAC Talk- Thursday 10th. December. Venue and speaker TBC.

Regional Fish-In: Lough Erne- Monday, 28th December, 2009.
(Bank and Boat)

Regional Fish-In: Lough Ross, Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh- 6th. February, 2010.
(Bank and Boat)

Regional Fish-in: Lough Eglish- Co. Monaghan- 6th. March, 2010- (Bank Only.)

End of Year Meeting/ Prize giving/ Fish-In- Lower Lough Erne- 24th. April, 2010. Venue tbc- Investigating Irvinestown and Lusty Beg. Investigating possible speaker-

A Day Out with Dave Kelbrick

2009-06-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

Region 111 Treasurer Donny Uprichard could not believe his luck when he won the PAC raffle's top prize a two day trip with none other than Dave Kelbrick. Donny a very keen lure angler himself was obviously delighted with the prize and who wouldn't be!
He met up with Dave and they fished lures for two days the fish were really hitting the lures and the jerkbaits were the weapons of choice.
They ended up with well over 60 pike for two days out and half of them were going into double figures.
here a few of Donny's words......What can I say about Dave? He is a true gent, and a really down to earth guy. His lure fishing knowledge is second to none. I learnt a lot from him, with regards to my approach to lure fishing, and pike location, which will undoubtedly improve my catches on the waters here

All I can add is GREAT fishing Lads,well done

The Tope are back in town

2009-06-20T03:31:00.000-07:00

The PAC Tope days are scheduled for 28th June and 16th Aug there are still some places available, If you are interested in getting out to catch this exciting species get in touch with Robbie Marsh.
There have been some fish showing already and Robbie and Grooner have both had fish to the boats, with Robbie having 3 fish to over 30lbs in a few hours one evening last week.

Muckno Clean Up

2009-04-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Pac Members took part in a clean up operation for the 'poor anglers' who leave all their rubbish behind them. It's a sad fact that a small fraternity of people will not take their rubbish home with them and spoil the natural beauty of the loughs they visit. It is a lot easier to carry it home than bring it so why not do your envoiroment a favour and take it with you.
During the recent fish in Region 111 members took time out to remove rubbish left by 'poor anglers' the council then came and collected it. Robbie Marsh the RO of 111 said " We left the lough a lot cleaner than when we arrived and added he would like to thank all the members who gave up their time to clear up"

2009-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hope Castle 4th April 09

A well attended end of the year bash was had by all, the fishing was secondary to the crack although there was a 16lber and a 12lber caught along with one boat of outstanding fishermen who managed to get 6 fish in, all fish were coaxed by lures, it was good to see faces new and old with three new members all being taken out on members boats. Members from as far as Clare and Dublin attended.

The members took time out from their fishing to fill bags of rubbish that littered the shores of the lake, it was sad to see but nice to give a little back.

The prize giving was an excellent piece of entertainment after a good 3 course dinner, the craic was mighty as a lot of grown men went into a second adolesence.
The winter league was a close fought event and finally the cross dressers team narrowly edged it in a three horse race.
RA111 member of the year went to Micky McKenna
Best Fish of the year went to Donny Uprichard 28.08
Best Lure Caught Fish went to Dermot Ogle 23.00
Greediest man of the year goes to ALex Denby (aka Burger King)

Well done to all who turned out!

New PB for Grooner

2009-02-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday 14th Feb

There is no stopping Hugh Rooney as he breaks his PB for the third time this season, he bagged this 23lb beaut only 4hrs into a 3day session on a new water. If he keeps this up we'll have to book him for a slide show next season.

Congratulations from the members!!

Angling Ireland Show 2009

2009-02-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

Sat 14th & Sun 15th March

Busy time for the Region the second fair in as many weeks, it is a tiring couple of days so any help that can be provided by the regions members will be appreciated.

Look forward to seeing you there....

Loughs Agency Annual Fair

2009-02-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

March 7th & 8th

RA111 will be attending the Loughs Agency Fair on both the 7th & 8th of March, this will be a good opportunity to reach out to potential new members and help towards lifting the face of Pike fishing in general through out N.Ireland.

If any members are available to help out on either day please contact Robbie Marsh or Gerry Linden.

Annual Prize Giving and Dinner

2009-01-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday 4th April 2009

Hope castle on Lough Muckno has been chosen as the venue for this years prize giving event. There will be fishing on the Saturday along with one of Gerry's famous BBQ's then up to the castle for a 3 course dinner and a few quiet beverages (more like a heavy session). For those that are fit, up for a fry on Sunday and back on to the lake.

As the season comes to a close and the alcohol starts to flow I'm sure there will be some interesting conversations, we might even here the Rutland story.......

Hope to see as many people there as possible, please contact Robbie Marsh or Gerry Linden if you are interest in joining in on the fun.

65 Euro to stay in the Castle, this includes Breakfast and your 3 course meal. 25 eruo for those just looking to stay for the meal.

Ramor Date Moved

2009-01-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

14th Feburary 2009

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Lough Ramor fishin date has now been moved to the 14th February, I apologise on behalf of the committee for any disruption that this may have caused.

Please contact me for any further details 07727044623.

Twenty, twenty vision....

2009-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 11th January

After absorbing Nev Fickling's talk on Thursday night RA111's Press Officer Matt Dean headed out with a boost of enthusiasm only to find his chosen swim thick with ice, knowing that it would be a while until the wind and rain cleared the ice he vowed to return the following day.

Like a kid on xmas morning he bounced out of bed and quickly found himself in his chosen swim, eyes still glued together he found the swim still partially frozen. Not one to give up easily he managed to break through enough to cast out a bait and just as well he did as he managed to tempt a fine fish of 20.08lb.

As if this wasn't just reward he was blessed with a second twenty shortly after changing his Roach for an oily whole Herring, and at 20.04lb it completed a fine brace that would have put a smile on anyones face.

An evening with a pike fishing legend Neville Fickling

2009-01-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

70 pike fishermen turned out from all over Ireland to watch a slideshow given by Neville Fickling at Dobbens St Community Centre, Armagh. A frosty January evening made the turnout all the more remarkable but if you take your pike fishing seriously it is an evening you wouldn’t want to miss.

Neville started his three hour talk and slideshow at 7.30 and he concentrated on his Irish fishing adventures showing us some extremely large pike he had caught over the last 4 decades. Neville held the UK record pike for a number of years in the 80’s with a fish caught from the Norfolk broads which weighed in at 41lbs 6oz. He showed us some pike that we all dream of catching and his best Irish fish which weighed in at over 38lbs.

During his lively talk he passed on some great tips of where to locate the huge fish and if you listened carefully you came away full of hope and inspiration for your next foray along the river banks. PAC region 111 would like to thank Armagh City & District Council Sports Development Department for supporting the event through providing the venue.

Erne Fish in

2008-12-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Monday, 29th December

25 members met in Enniskillen today for RA111's 5th fish in of the season, nearly everyone enjoyed some sort of action although Ian (Crazy Piker) Coulter topped the bill with a fine 22lb 12oz Specimen falling to a float trolled Roach , there were 5 other doubles caught as folllows, Neil Todd 15lb, Keith 14lb, 10lb, Colin hayes 12lb, Robbie Marsh 11lb, Micky McKenna 10lb and several fish under 10lb boated by most.

Just like to thank all the members that turned up and another special thanks the Gerry for the bbq and organising the event, it just wouldn't be the same without it.

New PB for Grooner

2008-12-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Monday, 22nd December

After a difficult start to the season Grooner's (Hugh Rooney) persistance has finally paid off, in his own words:

"With the baits getting no attention at this particular spot, we upped the lines and went "round the corner" to give it a try. Again we thought it was another barren area, when at 2ish my float plopped under and line pulled from my reel (set in baitrunner mode).

First glance at the fish we knew she was a beauty, after 3-4 powerful runs for freedom Patrick professionally and perfectly had her in the net for me (Cheers bro ). After unhooking her and placing her in the sling (thinking of last Sunday after missing out by 8oz) , I wondered could this be it After a double check and deducting 1lb 9oz for the sling this was the result, a fine fish of 21.06 HAPPY DAYS.

After all together hundreds of fish hours and miles traveled I am now privelged to be a member of that elusive and exclusive "20 club"

New PB for the RA111's Mascot

2008-12-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 13th December

Known as JNR to most Colin Uprichard is our latest member to catch his first 20lb+ specimen on a lure, he tempted the fine fish on a cast bulldawg. but it doesn't stop there on his next outing he managed another fine fish of 22.05lb caught on the same method which now stands as his pb. I asked his brother to say a few words but he refused to comment.....

Neville Fickling Presents

2008-12-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 8th January 2009

Neville Fickling is only three 20s away from being the first recorded Piker to have reached the magical 400th mark, one of the most respected anglers his witty sense of humour is not to be missed on what promises to be another memorable evening with RA111.

George Higgins Success

2008-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 4th December

RA111 enjoyed their first talk this evening conducted by the legendary George Higgins and what a success it turned out to be, around 60 like minded Pike anglers turned out to watch in ore as George stood tall amongst some of Irelands finest. Not only did the PAC gain new members but there were a few bridges rebuilt along the way.

The Committee and RA111 members would like to thank George for giving up his spare time to share with us some of his most memorable memories.

Lure Caught Twenty for Newest Regional Member

2008-11-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 22nd Nov

Newest member Dermot Ogle from Ennis Co.Clare nets a fine lure caught twenty, Dermot has a string of good fish to his name and although he is known locally as a top class chef he runs a Pike guiding business in Co Clare & the Shannon region.

"Then just as the last light of the day was leaving the lake I had a strong fish grab my motoroil and orange tail, Bull Dawg. The fish went 23lbs and measured 115cm and really was the icing on the cake on an already very enjoyable session.:

George Higgins Talk Confirmed

2008-11-13T14:06:00.001-08:00

Thursday, 4th December

We have several talks aligned for the up and coming season starting with our very own George Higgins. George has been an honerable member of the PAC for over 30 years and has been instrumental in his role as L.O. for N.Ireland. In 1974 George and a few fellow anglers founded the legendary Pikers who have enjoyed over 400 twenties and 13 thirty pound pike between them from the great loughs of Ireland.

RA111 invite you to come along to Portadown town hall on the 4th of December at 19.30 to enjoy George's journey over the last 30 years, this is a truley inspirational experience not to be missed.

Muckno Fish-in

2008-11-13T14:03:00.001-08:00

Saturday, 8th November

20 anglers met this morning for the Region's 2nd Pike fish-in of the season, with 20 commited PAC members taking to the water it was inevitable that a few good fish were going to be caught. Tom Hill was to be appluaded for landing the biggest fish of the day, followed closely by Donny Uprichard for catching the most weight. For a detailed report please click on following PAC link :http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/pacgb/vpost?id=3094254&pid=29835714#post29835714 Once again the members of the RA111 would like to thank Gerry Linden for organising the fish in, as well as supplying a banquet fit for a king. The next fishin will be on lough Erne, on the 29th Dec meeting at the 'Round O' slipway, please contact Gerry for details.

Inaugural Meeting

2008-11-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 2nd October

Over 20 members met this evening for RA111's inaugural meeting, it turned into an eventful evening which started off with a contructive presentation from the new R.O. Robbie Marsh. Gerry Linden then took the reigns by taking us through an impressive events calendar, followed by Neil Todd's review of the Region's Constitution.

Several items of interest were discussed including the interaction of members during regional meetings, where as Matt Dean managed to walk himself into presenting a small talk for the next
meet.

We finished up the with the draw for the winter league which turned a few tears of laughter, for anyone wishing to join in the fun please contact Gerry Linden.

The committee would like to thank all of the members that made the effort and to those that tried their upmost but couldn't make it due to other engagements.

I believe it's safe to say that if your into Piking in any way or form then this is the Region for you.

Member bags a fish of a life time

2008-11-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 25th October

Donny Uprichard, RA111 Treasurer smashes P.B.

In his own words...

"I was really giving it some, but I couldn't budge the fish. I thought it had snagged the anchor rope. But it then tore off in the opposite direction. I was then screaming at Jnr to get the net sorted & ready. Eventually I managed to get it to the surface, and straight into the net. I knew it was a definate twenty. It was unhooked in the net - 1 treble in the outside of the scissors (very lucky!). It was only when I lifted it out of the water, and onto the unhooking mat, that I knew that it was a special fish. The scales swung round to 28-8, and I just stood there in a stunned silence. I couldn't believe it. I had just shattered my P.B. The Girth of the fish was incredible. A few shots and she was returned - A slow wag of her tail, and she was gone. I just sat in the boat for the next hour, without fishing - taking it all in"

RA111 Members Save The Day.

2008-11-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 5th October

Two of our region members found a gill net and a fyke net on the bann system today, the gill net had been there for a while but the fyke net was is use. The fyke net was pegged down with breeze blocks and lead and was about 4 feet below the water surface, there was a very slim chance of this net been found.

It was reported to the FCB and the two members worked with them to remove the net and release the eels.

Tope Trip - The Return

2008-11-09T04:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 20th September

13 Members met to day for the second Tope of the season and once again Skipper Payton Cunningham came up trumps. There were 4 fish landed in all which included 3 p.b's, 55lb Matt Dean, 54lb Ian Coulter and 29lb for Gerry Linden, Matt also landed a fine 42lb fish. Donny Uprichard was taking advantage of the rubby and missed and lost three fish at the back of the boat, one of which hung on for what seemed to be an age only for the rig to give way. Already we have two trips booked for next year with a possible third due to the interest.

RA93 & RA111 Regional Fish-in

2008-11-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 30th August

What a rip roaring success, RA93 & RA111 met up in Derravargh today for the first inter regional fish in. Two doubles showed with the best being a slim 18lber for Neil Todd and an 11lber for Piking Guru George Higgins, and although the water levels were high the weather conditions couldn't have been better.There were plenty of jacks caught with all boats seeing some sort of action but to be honest the fish came second place today as the banter and cohesiveness shown between the two Regions was to be applauded.Both Regions would like to thank all 26 members that turned out with a special thanks to Gerry Linden (RA111 Events Organiser) for cooking everyone sausages, burgers and steaks and to Sandy Mackie and the lads for keeping to their word and supplying the cheeky refreshments.

Tope Fish In - Part 1

2008-11-06T15:13:00.001-08:00

Saturday, 17th August

After the worst summers day I can remember there was an uncertainty as to whether RA111's first outing was to go ahead or not, as there were good fish showing mid week we made the decision to meet at Greencastle at 7am and take the risk. We steamed out by 8am in search of
Mackerel but the storm the previous day had pushed them out and we struggled to catch 10 fish which is all we could manage between 9 anglers, Hugh Rooney and Matt Dean done better on the Ollie Rose with 24 mackerel but it was dire.

We decided to give up on the Mackerel and go to the Tope mark with the expectation of picking up a few more mackerel.

We all set up and it wasn’t long until Melvin Percy’s reel screamed into action and he found himself attached to his first Tope, after a lengthy battle he boated his Tope and P.B fish of 41lb.

Unfortunately Melvin had to take off the Tope rig and join in the desperate such for more mackerel.

It wasn't long though until Mark Mclaughlin's reel started to sing

and a fine fish of 35lb was boated, another first and another P.B. fish, the fish were well on the feed and reports were coming in that Matt Dean had a fish of 30lb on the Ollie Rose.

The next rod to go was Stevie Cromie's and to his horror (bad hangover) he found himself attached to a fish of a life time, after a fiesty battle a fine specimen of 60lb came on board and I couldn't help feeling that this was a battle won by our pectral friend, a great fish for his first Tope and another P.B.

Further reports were coming in and Matt was enjoying one of his best days fishing with a 2, 5, and a 40lb to the boat, it was long until one of the ballons slipped under and it Gerry Linden sprung into action but atlas as he struck into the fish the line gave way.

At this stage we were just running out of bait and as we had only

had 10 Mackerel to stretch between 9 of us we were happy with the result,then as the tide started to turn Colin Hayes rod lept into action but his shakespear rig gave way and it was another missed opportunity but luckily the Gods were looking down on him and he hooked into a fine 42lb fish on his next cast, another first and another P.B.

Further reports came into to say that Hugh Rooney had boated a 41lber but they too had run out of bait, just our luck to have the fish feeding so well and no Mackerel to be found but who's complaining, 11 guys, 34mackerel and 12 Tope with about 5 missed runs, a great start to the new region and we look forward to the next trip on the September the 20th (see Gerry Linden for details).