Angling initiative catches on  

INLAND Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative has kicked off for the 2017 Summer Season with several local schools and youth groups already enjoying fishing lessons and field trips. 

Sphere 17, from Darndale, and Whitechurch Youth Services, from Rathfarnham, were among the first groups to get out fishing, while Chapelizod’s Community Festival incorporated angling and environmental lessons from the Dublin Angling Initiative into its programme of events.

Sphere 17 Youth Services travelled to Malahide, to take a charter boat, Fish & Trips, for a few hours of sea angling. 

The group spent the evening learning how to fish beside Ireland’s Eye, catching pollock and mackerel. 

While fishing, they also reported seeing plenty of local resident birds and seals as well as wallabies and deer on the island. 

The fishing trip was one of six over the past month with the group also enjoying lessons in coarse and game fishing.

Meanwhile, Whitechurch Youth Services were also out fishing recently with the Dublin Angling Initiative. 

They were taken to Courtlough Fisheries, Balbriggan, where they were coached in bubble and fly fishing for trout. Participants learned about fish handling and catch and release fishing.

In addition to fishing lessons and field trips, the Dublin Angling Initiative has also been attending community events with a view to introducing young people to the fisheries resource in their own locality. 

At the recent Chapelizod Community Festival, 16 young people between the ages of 10-15 years enjoyed an environmental and history lesson on the River Liffey which runs through their community from fisheries staff. 

The lesson was followed by a more practical invertebrates sampling and identification session and an opportunity to examine juvenile trout and salmon which were taken from the river before being safely released again. 

The group finished with a fly fishing lesson where they learnt the basics of getting started in the pursuit.

Oisin Cahill, co-ordinator of the initiative, said it aims to empower young people to appreciate and enjoy their local amenity by showing them what it can offer alongside giving them an understanding of the importance of conservation and protection. 

“We combine theoretical lessons with practical sessions across environmental and angling themes,

? said Mr Cahill. 

“Angling is a hobby that can be enjoyed in an urban location such as Dublin at any age or ability. We hope that the young people who participate in the programme and who are introduced to fishing will continue to enjoy it into later life.

?

Anyone interested in learning more about the Dublin Angling Initiative should email [email protected] 

Enquiries are welcome from any groups or individuals interested in the programme and availability will be on a first come, first served basis.