Ray O’Reilly has organised a family day out on Saturday 1st July for Club members, family and friends at Laois Angling Centre (LAC), Ballaghmore – just near Borris-in-Ossory (1 hours’ drive from Narraghmore down the M7). All are welcome and we will need experienced anglers to also come along and help those who are new to the sport (and maybe get in some fishing for themselves!).
http://www.laoisanglingcentre.ie/coarse-game-fishing/
LAC offers a variety of different types of fishing (spinning, float, fly, worm, etc.) across 4 lakes and is ideal for beginners. LAC has given us the sole use of one of the lakes and it will be freshly stocked for us.
The Club has purchased 5 rods for ‘newbies’ to use (both fly and spinning) along with all the necessary equipment. We’ll also have a number of members bringing along ‘spare’ rods for people to borrow and try out.
The aim is to give new members and youngsters a chance to catch a fish, get some training and try out the different types of fishing. We’ve been assured that EVERYONE will catch a fish!
The plan is that we’d meet there around 12:30 (time for a picnic lunch?) and sort ourselves into groups so that everyone can have a chance of fishing along with some experienced ‘angling’ supervision and education. Whilst clearly nice weather is important for a good day out – a bit of rain won’t stop the day going ahead.
Please note that the Club will subsidise 50% of the cost of fishing the lakes for the day (excluding food!)
You should bring along the following – (although I wouldn’t advise going out and buying a load of new gear just yet!)
- If you have your own fishing gear – bring it along
- If you already have some equipment but haven’t fished before or for a while we will help you set it up and use it.
- Waterproof shoes/boots
- Wellies are ideal for starting out
- With lake fishing you shouldn’t need waders etc. but from recent experience I know that keeping your feet dry helps with your enjoyment.
- Sunglasses
- These don’t just reduce the glare off the water – they also protect your eyes from flying hooks, spinners etc.!
- Some form of hat
- Sounds silly – but this is also protection against possible injury (getting a hook out of a hat is far easier than from your head!)
- Jacket
- Ideally windproof and ‘snag free’ – think functional rather than attractive!
- Layers of tee-shirts, shirts, fleeces
- You can always remove layers if the weather is pleasant – there is nothing worse than a cold wind spoiling a great day out
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and any medication (hayfever etc.)
- Given the great summer we’re having – you might not actually need these very much.
- For the children – a towel and a change of clothes
- Whilst I am sure that everyone will be sensible around water I can guarantee that some people will get wet
- Water to drink and food for the afternoon!
- It may sound silly but it’s amazing just how quickly you will dehydrate when out fishing
- Youngsters will not fish the whole afternoon without a break – expect several ‘rest periods’
- There looks to be enough ‘non-fishing’ areas for football, frisbee etc. if youngsters (or adults!) if the fishing isn’t exciting enough!
Can you now please confirm as soon as you can that you’ll definitely be coming.
If you have any questions at all – just ask!
Ray O’Reilly – 087 677 6743
Seamus Buggle – 087 740 7670
Tim Pullen – 086 604 4820