Opportunity for women to be introduced to fly fishing

An opportunity for women interested in learning about fly fishing is coming up at the Laois Angling Centre near Portlaoise on August 30 next.

The event is organised by the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA). It begins at 11am and will include a short indoor session followed by four hours of casting instruction and practice outside.

The course is aimed at beginners or novice anglers aged over 18 and all equipment will be provided.

No experience is necessary but booking is essential. To receive a booking form, email the PRO Maddy Kelly proirishladiesflyfishing@gmail.com. Women will be travelling from all over Ireland to take part and full joining instructions will be sent to those who book.

Dan O’Neill from Kilkenny, an APGAI qualified fly-casting instructor, is the lead instructor, assisted by Maddy Kelly from County Down, president of the International Ladies Flyfishing Association (which represents Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales).

Anne Kerrin, chair of the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association, said: “The benefits of angling have been known for a long time but it’s been a well-kept secret – to be outdoors with nature surrounding you, in beautiful places, really gives a boost to your health and wellbeing.

“The physical aspects of fly fishing, for example, wading through streams, casting, scrambling 8km along a river bank, maybe rowing a boat, and sometimes hiking to remote locations, are definitely exercises to work your inner core.

“It’s known that physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, as they help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. The gentle, low-impact nature of fly fishing makes it accessible to many across all ages, and is a perfect way to release those endorphins.

“Learning and mastering the skills of fly fishing, from understanding aquatic environments to tying flies and refining casting techniques, provide a sense of achievement and personal growth. That aspect of fly fishing can boost self-esteem and confidence, contributing positively to mental health.

“I hope that encourages women to think about trying out angling. All equipment will be provided and participants just need to wear warm clothes and to bring waterproofs.’

Maddy Kelly has fished at Laois Angling Centre several times and “found it to be an excellent venue for people new to fly fishing”.

Pointing out that it is just off the M7 near Portlaoise and easily accessed she is “hoping women from all four provinces will be interested in attending”.

“Fly fishing is meditative. I’ve attended several courses on mindfulness and have carried out the practice. The focus required to cast a fly, watch the water, and anticipate the movements of the fish encourages a state of mindfulness where the angler is fully present and aware of the moment. I know from personal experience that fly fishing looks after my own wellbeing.

“Most anglers join angling clubs and through that become involved in the conservation management of waterways because they understand that the health of local aquatic ecosystems is an important element of their hobby. Hopefully women who attend our beginner day will become interested in looking after their local waterways.”

The ILFA run a league of four trials annually to select a team to represent Ireland at the Ladies International Flyfishing Championships.

For more information, email Maddy Kelly PRO at proirishladiesflyfishing@gmail.com.

Other events for women who wish to learn to flyfish include one at Straid Fishery in Antrim beginning Saturday 7 September.