Angling is catching on with young Dubliners

OVER 500 Dublin kids took part in a youth fishing initiative in 2016. 

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative aims to grow angling participation and help young people discover a new hobby. 

The initiative, which aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the capital, saw significant demand for its services during the year.

Young people from the areas, including Darndale, as well as inner city youth projects, took part in the programme, which saw them take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and competitions, visit Naval ships and enjoy family fishing days. Environmental talks and lessons were also held with many national and secondary schools, summer project and youth services taking part in the programme during the summer months.

The 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.

The initiative has seen thousands of young people participate in the programme since its inception over 20 years ago and has been a catalyst to the founding of many fishing clubs by these young people.

Brian Beckett, Inland Fisheries Ireland Director of the Eastern River Basin District, said they were delighted to see so many young people picking up a fishing rod for the first time and returning to it over 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 health and well-being benefits associated with it,” said Mr Beckett. 

“We have seen significant demand and participation in the programme this year in Dublin and we hope to see that trend continue.”

Ciaran Byrne, chief executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland, said Ireland has some of the best wild fisheries in Europe and offers a unique destination for domestic and visiting anglers alike. 

“It is only fitting that we introduce our young people to this fisheries resource and show them its value from a personal recreational viewpoint and as something which brings huge economic worth to this country,” said Mr Byrne. 

“As part of the Dublin Angling Initiative, we also build awareness and understanding of the importance of protection and conservation of the resource. 

“We hope that these young people will bring this appreciation of the resource with them into later life.”

For further information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.