Inland Fisheries Ireland's Ballina division hosted its second annual Juvenile Anglers' Day on the Moy Fishery's Cathedral Beat last Wednesday 7 July. This special event is one of many held throughout the country as part of the IFI's policy to promote angling for young people.

The day proved to be another huge success with 44 youngsters, ranging in age from 5 to 15, attending to fish. IFI staff provided coaching, advice and fishing tackle for the aspiring anglers.

Angling commenced at 8.00 am and it soon became clear that a quality days fishing lay ahead. Within the first hour four salmon had been landed and large numbers of fish were to be seen showing in the waters of the beat. As a conservation measure, all anglers were restricted to one salmon using worm as bait. Thereafter anglers could opt for lessons in fly-fishing. One youngster from Knockmore, Co. Mayo, 7-year old, caught a second salmon on fly after only a few minutes of instruction.

A group of happy juveniles with their fine catch from the Cathedral Beat.

As the day progressed many more fish were landed, including the best fish of the day lovely fresh salmon of 5 lbs 14 oz which was caught by Fionn Darmody. Another nice salmon was caught by Nick Doherty age 14 from Ballina which turned out to be the second best fish of the day.

In total 33 salmon were caught by 44 young anglers, a fine days fishing by any standard.