The Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs has described as "cruel" and "crazy" the actions of a fisherman suspected of inserting a lead bar into a live fish.

According to The Irish Times, the angler is believed to have forced the lead bar into the fish's mouth in the hope of winning between €100 and €150 in a competition.

The fish was discovered discarded on the riverbank after the competition, and the matter was subsequently dealt with "at a local level" according to comments on an anglers' online message board.

Competition rules dictate that any fish caught must be able to swim away for inclusion in scoring.

Win! Win! Win! We're giving away a Helly Hansen Holdall (pictured below) each day for ten days but you've got to be quick, three are gone already! Enter our facebook competition HERE. All you have to do is complete the form on the page with the correct answer. It couldn't be easier, just hurry! Thanks for your support of Ireland's boating magazine. 

Schools can register details by logging on the webite where a username and password will be provided. All details with essay guidelines, entry forms and competition details and rules are available on www.imdo.ie/followthefleet/news.asp

To celebrate the achievements of Shackleton and Hurley's stunning photographic collection, the (MMM) want you to share your photos of spectacular scenery, unusual locations and far-flung destinations. Just add them to the Flickr group to be in a chance of a family concert ticket for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's unique combined film and music experience 'Polar'.

The cinematic portrait of the Arctic and Antarctic explores the homeland of the polar bears and humpback whales. The moving imagery will be accompanied by a live orchestral soundtrack performed by the world-renowned orchestra.

For further detailed information about the competition and entry rules logon HERE.

The Endurance: Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure at the Merseyside Maritime Museum is open to the public free of charge until the 27 February 2011. For more info logon HERE

1) This is the biggest series in Ireland, typically with over 50 entries

2) Howth welcome - great pre and post race social atmosphere in club.
3) Great Racing - Two short races per day, in open water just outside the harbour with committee boat starts. Great way to work on your helming and tactics over the winter.
4) Mix of competition - Sailors range from top 5 ranked sailors all the way through to beginners and casual racers. Ages range from 15-65.
5) Laser Round the Island and Lunch - A legendary, not to be missed end of season race, and party in March.
6) Great value - €4 per race, which covers the lunch in March also!
7) Free boat parking - entry fee also covers parking your boat in Howth the the full winter.
8) Dedicated race course - No other classes racing. Mix of windward leeward and triangle courses.
9) Full Rig, Radial and 4.7 fleets all supported
10) Friendly advice, guidance and help make it a great introduction to dinghy racing

Enter online at www.hyc.ie. For enquiries contact David Quinn 086 2835671

Afloat, in cooperation with Marine Clothing specialists Henri Lloyd, have four backpacks to give away to Afloat.ie readers in another exclusive Facebook competition.

To enter, send an email to [email protected] with the answer to this question in the subject line: When was Henri Lloyd founded?
The answer can be found on the Henri Lloyd Facebook page. To win, you must be a fan of both the Henri Lloyd and Afloat Magazine Facebook pages and be over 18 years of age.

Four lucky winners will receive a Henri Lloyd CSL backpack each. 

Henri Lloyd on Facebook: Facebook.com/hlmarine

Afloat Magazine on Facebook: Facebook.com/Afloatmagazine

The CSL backpack is constructed from ballistic nylon and features a padded 'air flow' back panel to reduce moisture build up. It comes equipped with a sternum strap for added security and comfort and major seams are double sewn and capped with binding tape before being sewn again. High stress areas are reinforced.

www.henrilloyd.com