23/10/2006
Between 300 and 500 anglers are expected in Fermanagh this weekend for the first ever Waterways Ireland Erne International Pike Fishing Classic.
The three day event begins on Friday, October 20, with one day shore fishing from the fishing stands around Enniskillen and continues on Saturday and Sunday with two days of boat fishing in an area of Lough Erne between the lock gates just downstream of Enniskillen and Innishmore Viaduct and Carrybridge.
It is expected to provide an end of season boost for the tourist industry as hundreds of anglers book hotel and guest house accomodation for the duration of the competition. The event is being organised by the Erne Anglers angling Club with support from Waterways Ireland, Fermanagh District Council and the department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's Inland fisheries. The Erne Anglers Angling hope to turn the competition into a major event.
Mr John O'Kane, chairman of Fermanagh District Council, added: "This is the first major pike angling event to be held in Fermanagh. It is pleasing that our natural resources are being used in a sympathetic way to further develop our tourist product."
A review of all the best action will be shown on sky sports
Local journalist Graham Little will be producing and presenting the programme. Graham said in advance of the action starting: "We are hugely grateful to the anglers for their co-operation and tolerance without whom we certainly would not be able to get close to the action. The programme is being primarily funded by Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and Waterways Ireland and we have a full crew of cameramen down for the whole weekend. We are grateful for the help of the Manor House Marine and the Belmore Court Motel in making the project possible."