We must consider ourselves very lucky in Ireland that we have a great natural resource in the form of our fisheries and our environment. We are also very lucky that we have some of the most talented people in the world involved in our recreational angling industry. The marriage of these components is extremely important in domestic and tourism angling and I was delighted to have the chance recently to meet and work with some of these extremely talented and expert providers at the saltwater fly fishing primer organised by Jim Hendrick in Cobh in Co Cork. The holistic approach to recreational angling promoted at this event was simply a joy to experience and I am very grateful to my employer Inland Fisheries Ireland for the opportunity to attend such a unique event and work with experts in their respective fields, Ladies World Distance Fly Casting Champion Glenda Powell, Saltwater Fishing Guide Jim Hendrick and Expert Fly-Tyer Brian Healy. It was also a great opportunity to meet with bass anglers from Ireland and abroad and get some feedback from them. Sometimes it is good to get things straight from the horses mouth. One thing is certain, everyone who attended this first event will be looking to attend the next one. If interested why not get in touch with Jim to express your interest. Contact Jim @ www.jimhendrick.com
Paul Moinester, is a writer, photographer and environmentalist from the USA and he comments “the more time I spend in Ireland, the more I am amazed by the country’s endless quality fishing offerings, incredible beauty, and collection of talented fly fishing professionals. The bass retreat was proof positive of this sentiment as anglers from across Ireland and abroad gathered in Cobh to learn from world-class instructors about how to most effectively pursue trophy sea bass on Ireland’s stunning, rugged coast. This is an experience that I won’t soon forget.”
Glenda Powell, Ladies World Distance Casting Champion said, “Jim Hendricks salt water fly fishing primer was one of the most innovative programs that I have worked on. The diverse knowledge of the participants and course leaders enabled a unique learning environment in which everyone had the opportunity and pleasure of acquiring and processing information to suit their preferred learning style. I feel that this course is invaluable to any salt water fly fisher and I am sure that there will be more to follow.”
Bob Hurley really enjoyed the event saying “I found the primer very beneficial to me personally. There was a lot of thought and effort with regards to the course content and instruction. The instructors are world class in their respective fields. They imparted a wealth and knowledge and tips over the three days that will prove invaluable in what is a challenging method in pursuit of bass and sea trout. Being in the company of kindred spirits is always great fun.”
John Weir who attended the primer said “I really enjoyed being with a group of like-minded anglers for the duration of the course. Working on my casting to better enable me to deal with all sorts of weather conditions was great. Time spent with great anglers like Jim and Brian is always productive. I am looking forward to the next one!”
Kevin Murphy owner of the Bella Vista Hotel in Cobh, Co Cork commented “we are delighted to be involved with this great programme and recognise all of the hard work that went in to making this happen. We are delighted to support any initiative that will assist in the development of angling tourism in Ireland and look forward to hosting further events.
Brian Healy commented that it was “a real pleasure to be involved with the event organised by Jim Hendrick that showcased the wealth of talent involved in Irish angling. Experts like Jim and Glenda can help anglers make the most of our environment and wonderful saltwater fishing that we have. I look forward eagerly to taking part in future events.”
Kevin Garrigan, Saltwater fly fisherman commented “I had such a great time at this meet. You rarely, if ever meet another swffer when targeting bass on the Irish Coast, so meeting up with 7 other swff’ers in the beautiful Cobh was something I was really looking forward to. And also, to have Jim Hendrick, Brian Healy & Glenda Powell there to guide and teach me, and answer any question I had was an incredible opportunity for me to develop my swff skills. I took away a lot of learning’s from this primer, countless great experiences, and met some true characters who share my obsession with fly fishing for bass. I’m a better angler after these 3 days and now feel confident for the season ahead.
Vincent O’Sullivan attended the primer and mastered the overhead cast, roll cast and double haul in two days. Vincent was extremely happy with the workshops and said “it was a fantastic opportunity to learn saltwater fly-fishing from some of the leading names in the sport. Having never fly fished before I was concerned that the course would be too advanced for a beginner. I needn’t have worried as the course was very well structured with a pace tailored to my level….By the end of the first day I had completed a casting workshop, tied my first fly and was out that evening putting both into action in the Atlantic surf of the stunningly beautiful Cork coastline. It was a magical experience.”
