The North Western Regional Fisheries Board held its annual juvenile anglers day last Wednesday, 18 July. Wet weather and high water forced the Board to rethink its plans for this regular event, on the Moy Fishery's Cathedral Beat. But rather than cancel the event, which has proved so popular with youngsters over the years, it was decided to hold the event on the Moy Fishery Freshwater Beat, upstream of the weir, where the young anglers could safely fish from the bank.

Deirdre McCarron with her winning fish - 4.5 lbs.

The event commenced at 11 am without much sign of salmon showing but, as the morning progressed, one or two salmon began to show at the lower end of the beat. It wasn’t long before Deirdre Mc Carron, visiting from Northern Ireland, was into her first ever salmon. The fresh fish was landed with the help of newly recruited Moy Fishery ghillie, Peter Reintjens. It weighed 4.5 lbs. and was to be the best fish of the day.

Waiting for a Bite!

An hour later, Sean Leddon from Dublin had his first salmon which weighed 3.5 lbs. helped by another new recruit on the Moy Fishery, Philip Thornton. A third fish of 2.5 lbs. was then caught by Ben Mc Kelvie from Co. Down.  Towards the end of the day a forth salmon of 3.75 lbs. was caught by local lad Nick Doherty.

The day was rounded off with the usual ceremony at the Ridge Pool Hotel where prizes donated by The Ridge Pool Tackle Shop, the Ballina Angling Centre and the Bolg Bui pub were presented to all participants.

Decland Cooke presents young angler Sean Leddon with his prize (2nd).

The day proved to be a huge success, despite the unfavourable conditions and great credit is due to the determination of all the youngsters who took part. This event is one of many which are held throughout the region as part of the Board’s policy to promote angling for young people. Any upcoming juvenile angling events will be announced on the Board’s web site www.northwestfisheries.ie

A scene from the juvenile angling day on the River Moy.