Andy Wilson, Treasurer of Erne Pike Angling Association, firmly believes that size doesn't matter!

After a hard-fought winter pike angling league series, Andy Wilson was crowned 'King of the Erne Pike Fishing Champion'.

The Erne Pike Angling Association, in its first year, organised a cross-border Pike Angling Winter League. This comprised a number of events organised in Co. Fermanagh and Co. Cavan. The quality of fish caught has been of a high standard with pike in excess of 15lbs regularly being landed.

Sunday 4th March was the final day of the league at which time four anglers all were all on equal points and in the running to be crowned the 'King of the Erne'.

The final match was held on Garidice, at Ballyconnell, where, in stormy weather conditions, it provided the perfect setting for an epic finale.

Everyone struggled throughout the day without a fish being caught and with half an hour to go, Andy Wilson ironically landed the smallest fish of the whole Winter League weighing in at a mere "half pound".

At the conclusion of the match, this was the only fish caught on the day, which resulted in Andy winning the day and the league.

Jimmy Fitzsimmons, Chairman of the Erne Pike Angling Association said, "The club has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and we are pleased that the Winter League has gone so well. The club is still in its development and we would welcome any new members. A priority of the club is the welfare of our fish while enjoying our sport, and I am pleased for Andy as he has had a consistent year."

Andy Wilson said, "Conditions were difficult, I tried various methods and I and eventually landed a small fish to win the title. It was a bit of an anticlimax, however, a fish is a fish."

Anyone interested in joining the Erne Pike Angling Association, and playing a pivotal role in the conservation and development of pike angling in the Erne system is invited to attend the club's A.G.M. on Thursday 22nd March at 8.00pm, in the Silver Swallow Pub, Sligo Road, Enniskillen.