Record Turnout for Jedburgh Rotary Junior Fly Fishing Day
Young anglers helped create a memorable milestone as Jedburgh Rotary Club celebrated its 50th anniversary year, with participants at the annual Junior Fly Fishing Day catching an impressive 50 trout during the event.
Held at Hass Loch, thanks to the generosity and support of Jedforest Angling Association, there were plenty of fish for the youngsters to catch throughout the day.
The popular event attracted a record 42 young registrations. Along with family members, volunteers and supporters, almost 100 people attended the event, making it the best-attended Junior Fly Fishing Day to date.
The day introduced youngsters to the sport of fly fishing in a safe and supportive environment, with experienced anglers and volunteers on hand throughout.
Ian Davis, event organiser and member of Jedburgh Rotary Club, said:
"To catch 50 trout in our 50th anniversary year, you couldn't have scripted it better. The record attendance was particularly encouraging, though it did mean, for the first time ever, we had to turn some youngsters away. It's marvellous to see so many local young people keen to give fishing a go. Hopefully this is the start of something for them.
“We owe a big thank you to the TweedStart Young Ambassadors who worked hard all day instructing and coaching participants from their own age group. Their enthusiasm and encouragement played a key role in making the event such a success."
Ben McCallum, Education Officer at the Tweed Foundation, said:
"Events like this open a door to new skills, to wildlife and to an understanding of why rivers matter. The enthusiasm from the youngsters was brilliant, and real credit goes to Jedburgh Rotary Club and Jedforest Angling Association for putting the day together so successfully."
The event forms part of Jedburgh Rotary Club's ongoing commitment to supporting young people and encouraging participation in outdoor activities across the local community.
To further support youth angling and education, Jedburgh Rotary Club President Margaret Lee presented a cheque for £250 to Ben McCallum of the Tweed Foundation. The funding will be used to provide educational materials for the Foundation's schools programme.
The event's success was made possible by the commitment of Jedburgh Rotary Club, volunteers, coaches, parents, Jedforest Angling Association, TweedStart Young Ambassadors from the Tweed Foundation and everyone who helped make the day such a memorable fishing experience for the young anglers taking part.
