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.