A new record has been set by the Dublin Angling Initiative with Eric Cahill, 16 years old catching a fish of a lifetime – a 12lb record ferox trout from Lough Ramor, Virginia, Co. Cavan. This is the biggest fish ever caught by a youngster out fishing with the Dublin Angling Initiative. A fishing trip for a group of 10 youngsters was organised for Mulhuddart Foroige Fishing club (Dublin 15) to Lough Ramor, Virginia by Des Chew, Dublin Angling Initiative in March. Following an introduction by Des on the setting up of rods, rigs and bait presentation the youngsters were soon fishing for roach, hybrids and perch with others choosing to fish for pike. Great fun was being had by the group who were catching and releasing lots of coarse fish.

Meanwhile, Eric patiently waited for a pike to take his smelt deadbait. He signaled for assistance when his rod tip nodded indicating a take. Under the guidance of Des Chew and Chris McGregor he was instructed to knock his bale arm over so this cagey fish would feel no resistance. Suddenly there was a short run and Eric struck. It was obvious he had a big fish on. When the fish drew close the golden spotted body revealed that Eric was now playing a fish of a lifetime and maybe the first specimen caught by a Dublin Angling Initiative youngster. The fish was landed amidst great excitement by the youngsters, the youth workers and a crowd of local anglers who all looked on in amazement! This was clearly the fish of a lifetime for Eric.

The fish was weighed on certified scales, laid out and measured on an Inland Fisheries Ireland measuring mat. It reached a length of over 80cm and weighed in at over 12lbs. There was jubilation among Eric and his peers. Des announced that Eric had just caught his first specimen that had been recorded from over 10,000 teenagers who have participated in Dublin Angling Initiative courses over the last 15 years. If this fish is ratified by the Specimen Fish Committee it will also be the first specimen recorded from Lough Ramor. Josie Mahon photographed the fish with its proud captor Eric Cahill beside his mentor, Des Chew and the fish was safely released.

Eric Cahill is 16 years old and has been a member of Mulhuddart Foroige Fishing in Dublin 15 club since he has been 10 years of age. During that time he has always shown unique ability to listen and learn angling skills from his DAI tutors. He has attended numerous fishing courses in game, coarse and sea fishing run by the Dublin Angling Initiative with his Foroige youth officers, Bernie Moloney and Siobhan Hennessy. This was truly a very proud moment for Eric and Dublin Angling Initiative who now have a new record to beat!

Media enquiries:

Josie Mahon, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 15A Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Tel: 01 278 7022 / 087 6538202
Email: josie.mahon@fisheriesireland.ie
Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

• ← Minister O’Dowd presents specimen fish awards, Press Release 17th February 2013
• Awards Day Presentation 2014 →