#ANGLING - The Third International Pike Competition and Pike World Cup Boat Angling Tournament is set to take place on Lough Ree in Co Westmeath from 18-20 April 2012.

While the first event in 2010 attracted 55 anglers, that number more than doubled to 120 in 2012, and many more are expected to take part this year to boost the prize fund to €21,000.

As The Irish Times reports, top prize of €3,000 is guaranteed to the angler with the biggest pike.

This year's entry fee will also be reduced to €100 per angler for all three days or €40 per day. Fees will be returned in prize money with daily and overall prizes.

“We have made changes, especially when it comes to handling and photographing fish,” said organiser Dave Haughton.

For more details about the event and how to take part, contact [email protected].

This year's Lough Ree International Pike Angling Festival will also play host to the Pike World Cup in Athlone, Co Westmeath, from 13-15 April.

The current festival format remains unchanged, but The Irish Times reports that the Pike World Cup will go to the boat with the longest total length of pike over three days of fishing, counting one fish each day.

The tournament - with total prize money of €28,000 up for grabs - is open to all anglers, though there is a maximum entry limit of 100 boats, or 200 anglers.

For more details visit pikefishinginireland.com or contact Dave Houghton at 071 964 2743.