Mark.H.V.CorpsIFI Angling Advisor

Marine & Countryside Guiding FETAC Level 6

A Boat man is• Someone who earns a living by

transporting people or cargo by boat

• Angling context – does the rowing

• Unskilled – did the work pre outboard engines

What is a Ghillie?• Ghillie or gillie is someone who acts

as an attendant on a fishing, fly fishing, hunting or deer stalking expedition

• Angling context – someone who knows a particular river / fishery well

• Supports the anglers / looks after the fishery

What is a Guide?• Guides are often employed in many aspects of

travel / adventure. To improve the overall travel experience / make clients feel safer due to expertise of the guide

• Angling context – someone who in there angling discipline can maximise an anglers experience

• Failte Ireland & Inland Fisheries Ireland accept the following Guide qualifications

• Advanced Marine and Countryside Guides Certificate

• National Angling Guide Certificate (OCN Level 3)

Skills / experience / knowledge required?

• Experienced / skilled angler• Knowledge of variety of techniques• Knowledge of fisheries• Knowledge of fish species• Good angler• Technical angling knowledge• Boat handler (ISA / RYA L2)• Communicator• First Aider• Risk Assessor• Lifesaving abilities• Common sense• Entomology• Legislation

Value of qualified Angling guides

• Centre of excellence (FI)

• To provide a high quality Irish experience for visiting anglers which has a holistic focus that is broader than just the angling and includes all elements of the holiday

‘travel, stay, fish, play’

Guides are• Give someone who is on the ground & can

monitor what happens in the fishery

• Have a vested interest in developing the fishery / ensuring the quality remains high for the product

• Give a contact with a full working knowledge of the fishery

• Give someone who can respond to the vagaries of the weather / fishing conditions to maximise the anglers trip

• Give someone who can speak an anglers language

Centre of Excellence Included Fisheries that offer• Suitable fish stocks • Provide angler friendly

accommodation• Have boats & engines for hire (if

appropriate) • Tackle shop / bait suppliers• Guides / Ghillies• Entertainment

Decline in Angling Tourist numbers

• General economic situation

• Strength of € against £

• Drift nets

• Changing angling trends

• Increased competition

• Perceived decline in some fish stocks

• Fish farming

• General negative publicity

• Inadequate / poorly targeted marketing investment

• Perceived expensive destination

• Ferry costs

• Lack of coordination

• Poor / lack of information

• Accessibility of fishing

• Complex licensing requirements

• Value for money

C of E replaced by ‘Hubs’ idea to

• Effectively market the best

• Focus on segments of the market that are significant in size

• Where demand exists

• Where current supply can meet expectations

• Focus on the needs of the visitor

Work with the industry

• To develop the quality of what is being offered

• Develop infrastructure

• Improve cooperation between relevant sectors

Any Questions?