Ireland visits Wales for 'Learn-to-fish' event...

A recent ‘learn-to-fish’ expedition from southeast Ireland to Pembrokeshire was a great success, providing the participants with a ‘crash course’ in fly-fishing and an opportunity to experience the beauty of West Wales. The event was part of the Celtic Rivers Trust Partnership, an Interreg-supported community development initiative.

Having arrived late the night before, the group of six from Ireland were first treated to an illustrated talk onthe theory surrounding fly-fishing for trout and sea-trout. Pat O’Reilly pointed out the importance of firstly selecting a section of a river where fish were likely to be, secondly of not scaring the fish, and thirdly of presenting a good imitation of what the fish were feeding on (matching the hatch).

Casting Demonstration on the Western Cleddau

Sue Parker provided guidance on safety and tackle for different fly-fishing situations, and then Sue demonstrated overhead casting, roll-casting and single-handed Spey casting to a most appreciative audience. There followed an opportunity to fish on the Western Cleddau, guided and helped by members of the Pembrokeshire Anglers Association. With local experts on hand it's perhaps hardly surprising that all of the visitors caught fish.

Jerome Pearson receiving casting instruction

In the evening Lloyd Evans of Pembrokeshire Anglers Association gave a fly-tying demonstration, and everyone had a chance to tie a few flies that were to prove very useful on the next day at Yet-y-Gors fishery.

A fly-tying lesson with Lloyd Evans

Andrew Willis, of the Slaney River Trust, said: "Throughout our stay in Pembrokeshire, Helen Johnston of Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust was a great help, as were the anglers from Pembrokeshire Anglers Association who provided us with one-to-one instruction. Our thanks to everyone involved in making the trip so enjoyable."