Youngster's get hooked on fly-fishing courses

Jul 16 2008 by John Ballard, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

YOUNG anglers from local secondary schools got hooked on fly-fishing at a series of coaching courses recently.

Pupils from schools including Sanquhar Academy, Wallace Hall Academy, St Joseph’s College, Dumfries Academy and Dumfries High School, took part in three fly-fishing courses at Dalswinton’s Drum Fishery

Organised by the Nith Fishings Improvements Association, the courses were aimed at getting youngsters involved in angling.

Mike Keggans, chairman of the Nith Fishings Improvements Association, said: “We see a need to bring more kids into what is increasingly being viewed as an old man’s sport.

“Local angling clubs, beat owners and some of our individual members have again contributed to our sponsorship appeal and we were able to offer the courses completely free of charge to the kids.

“We have also to thank the Drum Fishery for providing an excellent venue for the coaching and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s leisure services for laying on free transport from Dumfries.”

The pupils worked under the supervision of instructors from Carlisle-based Borderlines and local angling enthusiasts.

Instructor Clive Mitchell said: “We were quite taken by the level of interest by all the participants.

“Conditions were a bit difficult - with a bit too much wind, but individual casting skills improved considerably.

“We also improved awareness of safety while fishing and caring for the environment.

“More than anything else we were impressed by their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.”

Three more free courses have been arranged for July 28, July 29 and July 31 and will be held on the River Nith at Dumfries, Carnsalloch and Thornhill.