Young Anglers Came Out To Fish In The Strangford Festival Pier Angling Competition
The Northern Ireland Federation of Sea Anglers (NIFSA) helped to organise a pier angling compeition during the Strangford Festival and it was a great success with a good number of young anglers catching fish.
Danny Gillan, an NIFSA member, organised the competition at the harbour in Strangford. He said: “The main aim was to get the yound anglers involved and fishing and also to raise awareness about protecting the environment.
“Harry from the Harry McKee Angling Centre, Fishing Tackle dealer in Bangor, is a founder member of the club and was the main sponsor of the event.
“It was really encouraging to see the youngsters getting stuck in. If you travel along the coast you will inevitably see people fishing off of piers, rocks and beaches, and some are lucky to get out on boats and fish.
“We believe if you give a man a fish he will eat for a day, but if you give him a rod he will eat for the rest of his life. And it’s great fun.
“We have members of all creeds, persuasions and ages and they fish at different levels from beginners to international anglers. We are an inclusive organisation. Everyone is welcome to join the NIFSA and to take part in our competitions through the year.
“Sometimes we run mixed bag competitions, or fish for specific species such as wrasse, pollack or flatfish. There is much more tope being caught too off the North Coast, probably due to a small rise in water temperature.
“Tope are being caught off the beach along Benone Strand and other beaches from July this year. And interestingly, there has been an increase in the amount of small weaver fish along the beaches.
“These triple -pined fish are poisonous and can send you to hospital if you stand on them with your bare feet.
“And sea bass too are on the increase which is a good sign as they are a popular species for anglers to fish for.”
Danny said that sea angling in chartered boats has had its ups and downs. Back in the 70s and 80s there were around 8-10 charter boats in Bangor, and now there are two.
And the North Coast has several angling boats at Portrush and Ballycastle. There are still certified vessels you can get out on if you want to try deep sea fishing. [Check the NIFSA website for details of angling boats.)
Check out the Northern Ireland Federation of Sea Anglers for information about joining etc at NIFSA
McKee’s Angling Centre Bangor offers a full range of fishing tackle for your needs.
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