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Seasons |
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There is
no statutory close season for pike in Ireland and they may be
fished for all year. Note however the new Angling bylaws (2006)
that states specifically for pike anglers : |
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•
A bag limit of 1 Pike in any one day,
• Prohibits the killing of any pike greater than
50 cm in length,
• Prohibits the possession by any person of more
than 1 whole pike less than 50 cm or more than 0.75 kgs
of pike flesh, this provision does not apply to a person
storing pike or pike parts subject to conditions,
• Prohibits the possession by any person of more
than 12 coarse fish for use as bait subject to conditions. |
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As the behaviour of the
fish follows seasonal patterns, so the methods of fishing for
them should change correspondingly. In winter and early spring
the hen pike are at their heaviest, and these fish are often
taken by static methods. After April, when water temperatures
start to rise and the pike feed heavily to recover weight, mobile
methods such as sink-and-draw deadbaits or spinning with artificial
lures can be more productive. All methods can be productive
during the summer months. Fly-fishing for pike is becoming more
popular, and as with all fly-fishing, can be heavily influenced
by the weather – not just the wind which will effect the
anglers ability to cast and position a fly precisely where desired,
but also the water temperature will directly influence the correct
fly and retrieve to present to the pike in order to stimulate
a reaction. It is remarkable how getting these factors right
will often produce a strike when other methods seem to hold
no hope – particularly with larger fish. |
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The influence of the
Irish climate, as well as the habits of the pike, also has to
be taken into account. Most Irish rivers and loughs are subject
to seasonal rhythms of high and low water. Winter floods will
put some rivers out of condition from time to time, and affect
access to the loughs. The high winds of spring and autumn can
render boat fishing on the bigger loughs unsafe for short periods.
However, the pike fisherman in Ireland will always find sheltered
waters available when others are affected by floods or gales.
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The Great Pikefishing
Company has access to not only the larger and better know Loughs
of the region, but also smaller and secluded lakes that are
only a short drive away. These lakes not only provide shelter
from the elements, but are also known to carry good number of
specimen pike.
In case you want to find out, weather forecasts are broadcast
daily on RTE
Radio and Television. Check programme guides in the daily newspapers
for times. They are also available on Aertel.
Telephone weather forecasts are available from the Irish Metreological
Service - Met Eireann.
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