It is a new tag for the Lough Ree International Pike Festival taking place over three days at Athlone on April 13-14-15 and the tournament is open to all anglers.
The festival itself will not change and the angler with the biggest pike is guaranteed €3,000 and all of the entry fees will be returned in prize money with daily and overall prizes.
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| Last year’s winner, Marc Lombard. |
The “World Cup” goes to the boat with the longest total length of pike over all three days by counting one fish each day. There will be a trophy for each angler in the boat and they will win back their entry fees too.
“This adds a new dimension to the festival and should be great fun”, said Damien Brennan Client Service Manager, Fáilte Ireland.
“Catching the biggest fish and winning €3,000 is serious angling but the Pike Angling World Cup will extend the competition and the banter between different boats will create some real craic as they try to win.
“Our pike angling boat festival is open to all anglers and already we have entries from seven different countries – and there is no reason why you and your friends shouldn’t become the 2011World Cup champions!”
With a maximum entry of 100 boats and 200 anglers the total prize money paid out will amount to fantastic €28,000.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Full details of the festival, accommodation available, inclusive packages for overseas anglers and entry fees can be viewed at www.pikefishinginireland.com.
Athlone – Lough Ree is 32 kilometres long and is one of the River Shannon’s three main lakes. Athlone is Ireland’s most central town and the largest on the Shannon. Present day Athlone is a busy and prosperous town with an abundance of interesting tourist attractions and an excellent range of accommodations from award winning B&Bs, to welcoming town centre hotels. You will discover a host of restaurants, each with its own distinctive character along with some of the country’s oldest and friendliest pubs.
“The fishing in Ireland is matched only by the welcome and friendliness of the people there.”
