Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative recently hosted its first night time fishing event at Meadow View Fisheries, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.  A group of young people from Sphere 17 youth group in Darndale attended the event and fished for six hours from 7pm until 2am.

The group enjoyed good catches of roach, rudd and perch. Night time fishing equipment and techniques were introduced to the young people who took little time to master the pursuit. During the event, the Dublin Angling Initiative also provided a barbeque to feed the hungry anglers.

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the greater Dublin area. During the summer months, young people from national and secondary schools, summer projects and youth services are taken out on fishing courses. To date, thousands of young people have been introduced to sea, coarse and game angling and the initiative has been a catalyst in setting up fishing clubs for many of these young people.

Oisin Cahill, Co-Coordinator of the Dublin Angling Initiative at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Night Fishing is an entirely different type of fishing which the group from Sphere 17 had not experienced previously. We were delighted to show them the techniques required and provide them with the right equipment to enable them to try it out. The Dublin Angling Initiative aims to engage young people around angling and show them that it can be a hobby enjoyed at any age or any ability. Feedback on the night was very positive and another such event is already being planned.

The Dublin Angling Initiative also aims to provide information and generate awareness among young people around conservation and protection of our natural fisheries resource. Angling is a pursuit which can have positive impact on our health and well-being, while in turn we promote understanding of the importance of ensuring this resource is available to many generations to come.”

The Dublin Angling Initiative welcomes enquiries from all groups or individuals interested in its programmes and services. For further information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie or contact Oisin Cahill, Dublin Angling Initiative Co-Coordinator by emailing oisin.cahill@fisheriesireland.ie .