Young anglers from Boyne Valley enjoy fishing trip at Courtlough Trout Fishery, Balbriggan

Almost 30 people took part in the event with experienced and novice anglers giving and attending lessons on fly fishing.

The event, which was sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Boyne Valley Fishing Hub and Courtlough Trout Fisheries Balbriggan, was aimed at engaging potential young anglers in the Boyne Valley Area.

Conditions on the day were difficult however all anglers had success catching at least one fish each at the rainbow trout fishery which consists of four acres of spring fed lakes.

Topics covered during the fly fishing lessons included fly fishing set ups, fly choice and casting.

Prizes were awarded at the end of the event to those who were particularly lucky on the day.

The event was facilitated as part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative which 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, Coordinator of the Dublin Angling Initiative at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “It was fantastic to see so many anglers of different ages from Boyne Valley Fishing Hub take part in this trip.

“The Dublin Angling Initiative offers young people an opportunity to try out angling as a pursuit. Angling can be enjoyed at any age or ability and we are always welcoming young people who might be interested to consider trying it out.

“The Dublin Angling Initiative also engages young people around important issues such as conservation and the protection of our natural resources, which includes our fisheries.

“We hope this learning around biodiversity protection is something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“We need to start engaging communities on these issues and getting the public out there to see what it is all about is a vital first step.”

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 [email protected].

The Boyne Valley Fishing Hub is made up of clubs along the River Boyne including Navan, Trim and Bective with a focus on developing youth angling. For more information, visit the Boyne Valley Fishing Hub Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boynevalleyfishinghub/.

For more information on Courtlough Trout Fisheries, contact Garrett on 0872712704.