The first set of NFIA Junior courses for 2008 are going well. Over the three days - 30th June and 1st and 2nd July - we had young anglers from 5 of the Secondary schools in Nithsdale at the Drum Loch for instruction in fly casting.

The youngsters - all complete novices - worked under the direction of "Complete Angling Experience" from Carlisle to learn the art of fly casting. And they did well - with about 50% of them catching a fish on their trip to the loch.

The main aim of the courses is to encourage young people to take up angling . . . and to continue in the sport by joining a local beat or Association.

We have another 3 days planned for the end of July - this time on various river beats. There are still some places for these . . .

The courses are funded through donations from beats and local business interests. The main sponsors so far this year include

• Barjarg Fishings
• Dumfries & Galloway AA
• Dumfries Common Good Fishings
• ATH Holdings
• Mid-Nithsdale AA.

We need more sponsors . . .
if you or your business are interested.