Staff from the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture and the Department of Education and Children’s Sports Development Unit teamed up with volunteer anglers on the 16th April to give schoolchildren the opportunity to try out angling at Cringle Reservoir.
 
Minister for DEFA Phil Gawne, MHK said ‘I’m delighted to see staff working across departments and with stakeholders to promote angling to the younger generation.  It’s a great way to enjoy the Manx countryside, especially as it’s a sport that the whole family can enjoy together.  I’d like to thank Manx Utilities Authority for their support and cooperation in allowing the use of Cringle Reservoir, and particularly the anglers who volunteered their time and everyone who assisted with supplying equipment’.
 
Minister for DEC Tim Crookall, MHK said ‘ Angling offers young people a positive and healthy activity, and our Sport Development Unit is very keen to include the sport in future holiday programmes, and help angling grow on the Island’.
 
28 children, between 9 and 13 years old were coached in a variety of angling techniques as well as being taught about the rules of the sport and staying safe near water.  Several of them were fortunate to catch a rainbow trout and it is hoped the experience will encourage them to try fishing again.
 
Freshwater fishing licences are issued free of charge to children under 14 years old and at discounted rates to 14-18yr olds.  The Isle of Man Angling Guide, which gives details of where to enjoy the wonderful variety of both sea and freshwater angling available on the Island, can be downloaded free from the Fisheries pages of the DEFA website www.gov.im/defa or requested from Fisheries tel. 685857.