Phased Return to Angling

The National Coarse Fishing Federation have been advising their members to stay home since the beginning of the crisis. Our #leavetherodsathome focused on supporting frontline workers. Together with other NGB’s of sport NCFFI presented Sport Ireland and SportNI with our proposals for a gradual return to full angling activity. Based on the Irish government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business the NCFFI have produced a 5-phase Angling Road Map to get our members back on the bank.

Chairman Der Casey says; “It is great to have clear view of a responsible return to the bank and a planned end to the lockdown. Anglers can look forward to engaging with nature as they enjoy their sport, a much need boost to our mental wellbeing. Our organisation is an all-Ireland body representing coarse, game and predator anglers. in the coming months, we hope to see a coordinated approach, North and South, to opening up our sport. I’m looking forward to seeing tackle shops open and banksides occupied again. But it will take time and patience to get fully up and running.”

As we write, angling in Northern Ireland is not permitted and any easing of measures is yet to be announced, we ask for a similar plan when they are. The Ministers for Health’s Memorandum of Understanding will help to underpin the North South cooperation, with Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland playing an important role in the alignment to get all our members back fishing and for the simultaneous opening of fisheries across the island.