1000 expected to join countrywide Angling Day´s fishing

About 100 children are expected to go for fishing at Vikaköngäs in Rovaniemi, one of the three locations where fly fishing will be the theme on this year's Angling Day that falls on June 8.

Angling Day, a fishing event for children and young people under 18, is traditionally held on the first Saturday of the summer holidays. On this day they get to fish for free at several Metsähallitus recreational fishing destinations.

The themes of some other locations are casting and some other locations trolling while some locations have no special theme.

This year is the 10th anniversary of Angling Day. “The event is very popular – roughly 1,000 young anglers from across the country come to take part in it every year – and the feedback has been very positive. The main aim is to offer children and young people fun and an easy way to try fishing and find a new way to spend time in nature,” Metsähallitus Communications Specialist Tanja Vallo told the Daily Finland.

This year, Metsähallitus, in cooperation with the Finnish Federation for Recreational Fishing (SuomenVapaa-ajankalastajat or SVK), is organising the day at a total of 37 locations. “What’s more important, at 13 of the destinations SVK instructors will be present. They will offer advice and help the young anglers get going, if needed. Angling Day is a great opportunity, especially for those whose parents don’t fish and are not able to pass on the knowhow,” said Vallo. She said on Angling Day, only under 18s are allowed to fish at these locations during from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

At the remaining 24 destinations, Vallo said, children and youngsters can fish independently. Their parents or guardians are also allowed to fish free of charge at these locations, as they take on the role of instructors.

She said Vikaköngäs is one of the destinations where SVK instructors will be at hand. “The event starts at 10:00 am. Participants don’t need to register beforehand – one can just go to the instructor who will provide a badge which functions as a fishing permit. The first to arrive will receive a special Angling Day fishing lure from Kuusamon Uistin. One can also take part in a light-hearted fishing competition, for which the winners will receive their prizes there at Vikaköngäs at 3:00 pm,” Vallo described.

A range of different fishes including perch, grayling, pike, trout, and rainbow trout can be caught in Vikaköngäs.

The fly fishing theme means that this year participants will have a chance to learn more about that particular fishing method. SVK instructors will introduce the basics of fly fishing and the participants get to practise casting. The gear will be provided by the organisers. Participation in this event is voluntary and it is up to the participant whether s/he wants to concentrate on fishing or practise casting or do both, Vallo added.

About the preparations to hold the event successfully, she said fisheries management practices in Vikaköngäs include catch-size fish stocking and this will be taken care of right before the event as well.

This year some special preparations are taking place, too, as Kalastajan Kanava (media focused on recreational fishing) will livestream Angling Day on their Facebook page. Vikaköngäs is one of the five locations sending livestreams.