An introductory trout fishing event for Wicklow Youths was hosted by Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative recently at Annamoe Fisheries, Co. Wicklow. The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day, which was aimed at introducing young people in the area to the pursuit of trout fishing and angling, was attended by 28 participants from Rathdrum National School, Roundwood National School l and Rathdrum & Roundwood Scouting Groups.
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the Greater Dublin Area through educational fishing courses for young people. This event is one of several being hosted by Inland Fisheries Ireland over the summer months. The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day was held in memory of Sean McMorrow, a former General Manager of Inland Fisheries Ireland and this event was kindly supported by his family.
The Annamoe event commenced with a workshop on water quality and invertebrate testing, by Sinead Hurson, Community Water Officer with the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office at Dublin County Council. This fascinating workshop gave participants an insight into how water quality affects fish and communities in general.
Fishing lessons from experienced anglers in the Dublin Angling Initiative and the Vartry Angling Club followed with tutoring given in fishing techniques and safe fish handling. Participants practised fly fishing over an action packed morning with most of them landing several fish.
The young anglers also enjoyed lunch at the venue, followed by a final hour of fishing and a chance to show off their new found fishing skills. At the end of the event, the Sean McMorrow Memorial Trophy was presented to Darcy Santos from Rathdrum National School for his focused effort in landing a fine rainbow trout of over 4lb.
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “The Sean McMorrow Memorial Trout Fishing Day was a great success and a fitting tribute to our former colleague and friend who recognised the importance of engaging the next generation around the pursuit of angling. The novice anglers showed great skill and ability and we hope that they consider taking up fishing into the future.”
Oisin Cahill, Co-Ordinator of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative said: “The Dublin Angling Initiative aims to empower young people to enjoy angling and to appreciate the importance of conservation and protection. The combination of theoretical and practical lessons proves to be popular and we are delighted to be hosting a number of educational initiatives and courses over the next few weeks.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Dublin Angling Initiative should contact Oisin Cahill, Dublin Angling Initiative Coordinator at Inland Fisheries Ireland (Email: oisin.cahill@fisheriesireland.ie) Enquiries are welcome from any groups or individuals interested in the programme and availability will be on a first come, first served basis.
Source: www.fishinginireland.info.