School children were given the opportunity to try out freshwater fishing at Clypse Reservoir on Thursday 9 April as part of the School Sports Holiday Programme for Easter.
 
Staff from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) and from the Department of Education and Children’s Sports Development Unit teamed up with volunteers from the Isle of Man Fly Fishers and other anglers to coach 26 children between 9 and 13 years old in the rules of the sport, angling techniques and water safety.
 
Minister for DEFA, Richard Ronan MHK said: “Angling, as a sport or a hobby, offers people of all ages the opportunity to be more active outdoors enjoying our Manx countryside, waterways and seascapes. 
 
“I’d like to thank Manx Utilities for allowing the holiday sport programme to use the reservoir.  My gratitude must also go to the volunteers who generously gave their time, expertise and equipment to make this event possible.”
 
Minister for Education and Children, Tim Crookall MHK said: “The Sports Development Unit deliver a wide range of sporting choices through various programmes enabling young people be active and healthy.”
 
Most children caught 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 a variety of both sea and freshwater angling available on the Island, can be downloaded free from the Fisheries pages of the Department’s website www.gov.im/defa or requested by phoning Fisheries Directorate on Tel: 685857. 
 
Photo - Jacob Ashton, Hannah Brearley and coach Graham Norman, with rainbow trout.