It’s wonderful to report that over 420 children and young people from the Greater Dublin Area took up fishing in 2017.

And Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative, which aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin area, has seen significant demand for its services during 2017.

Young people from the areas of Tallaght, Whitechurch, Darndale, and Blanchardstown, as well as those participating in inner city youth projects, took part in this year’s programme which saw them take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and competitions, and enjoy family fishing days at various community events. This included two youth events organised in memory of the late Sean McMorrow who was a member of the Inland Fisheries Trust and who donated funds towards the development of youth angling. Environmental talks and lessons were also held with many national and secondary schools, with summer project and youth services taking part in the programme during the summer months.

The Dublin Angling Initiative caters for anyone interested in angling, from the complete novice to the more advanced angler, with exposure given to each of the different types of fishing. Fishing presentations and tours provide an insight into fish, their habitat, conservation measures and education regarding local fishing areas.

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative has seen thousands of young people participate in the programme since its inception over 20 years ago. The initiative has been a catalyst to the founding of many fishing clubs by these young people.

Photo: Last summer, the Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day at Annamoe Fisheries, Co. Wicklow, was attended by 28 young people from Rathdrum and Roundwood. The event began with a workshop on water quality and invertebrate testing, followed by fishing lessons from experienced anglers, tutoring in fishing techniques, and safe fish handling. During the final hour of fishing, the novice anglers were given a chance to show off their new-found fishing skills. The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trophy was presented to Darcy Darcy Santos from Rathdrum National School for his fine effort in landing a fine rainbow trout of over 4lb. Pictured here with the winning fish are Oisin Cahill of the Dublin Angling Initiative, Darcy Davila (age 10), Darren Davila (age 8) and Doreen Davila

 

Brian Beckett, Inland Fisheries Ireland Director of the Eastern River Basin District, said: “The Dublin Angling Initiative offers a great opportunity to our young people to come outdoors and try and catch a fish. We’re delighted to see so many young people out fishing during the summer months. Fishing is a hobby that can be enjoyed at any age or ability, in urban and rural settings and it has a wealth of benefits not least of which relate to overall health and well-being. The project provides an opportunity for those who may never have fished before to take up angling and our hope is that for some this will become a lifelong hobby.”

Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, added: “Ireland has some of the best wild fisheries in Europe and offers a unique destination for domestic and visiting anglers alike. It is important that we introduce our young people to this fisheries resource and highlight its value from a personal recreational viewpoint and as an activity which brings huge economic worth to this country. Building awareness and understanding of the importance of protection and conservation of the resource is a key message of the Dublin Angling Initiative. We hope that these young people will bring this appreciation of the resource with them into later life.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative welcomes enquiries from all groups or individuals interested in its programmes and services. For further information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.