The first angling fair on the island of Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic is taking place in Co Tyrone this weekend.
A number of former world champions will be among several thousand people expected to attend the event in Strabane.
“It’s just great to have this event on again,” said Catherine Ashford of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
“We’re expecting around 5,000 people from all over Ireland as well as Britain and we have exhibitors from all over as well. I think people are just really happy to be able to get out and about again.”
Former world champion Andrew Toft from Scotland took to the River Mourne this morning for a fly fishing masterclass.
Next up on the casting coaching was another former world champion Scott MacKenzie, also from Scotland.
Some of those watching may seek to put the tips to good use in salmon and trout competitions being held as part of the fair.
The North West Angling Fair features workshops on the art of fly tying.
There are thousands of different flies designed to catch the eye of passing fish.
The youngest demonstrator is 13-year-old Jacob Griffin from Donegal, a picture of concentration under the watchful eye of his very proud grandfather, who introduced him to fishing.
“My grandad bought me a vice about three years ago and I started off from there making flies,” he said.
“I love it. I get real pleasure from it, then when I catch something on own fly, it’s brilliant, it’s brilliant as well.”
Grandad John Griffin watches on with a smile.
“I’m really proud of him,” he says. “He’s pretty good at it for his age.
“Everybody in my family has fished, but he is like myself, it’s just a disease with him, he can’t help it.”
There are 25 exhibitors seeking to sell their products, as well as a range of stalls providing training and education about the sport.
“The North West Angling Fair is now firmly established as one of the main events in the UK and Ireland angling calendar, offering anglers of all levels the opportunity to learn more about their craft and to source new equipment,” said Graham Warke, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
One of the exhibitors is Ned Maher from Ardaire Springs Angling Centre in Co Kilkenny. He’s selling products as well as promoting a similar fair at the centre at the end of the month.
He said the pandemic fuelled interest in the activity with more people seeking outdoor activities.
“It’s just great to get back out again and to get the chance to meet people and to promote our products,” he said.
“Angling is growing all the time and after the lockdown started easing there was a lot of people getting into angling, just looking for something to do, to get out.
“It can be very relaxing and good for the mind to be out and about with peace and quiet on the water for a few hours.”
While there were plenty of fish in the water, there was none available from Tom’s Mobile Fish and Chips van parked up outside the exhibition hall.
He sheepishly explained that supply problems meant there was no fish on the menu.
On this occasion, they all got away.
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