#ANGLING - The Ireland Angling Show will be back at the National Show Centre in Swords for its 14th year on the weekend of 16-17 February 2013, bringing a host of big names to the capital to share their fishing knowledge.

Special guest for 2013 is sea angling expert and freelance angling journalist Mike Thrussell. No stranger to Irish waters, Mike will be sharing his knowledge and skill with demos and workshops over the weekend.

Bob Nudd MBE, another regular visitor to Ireland, will be part of the show team for 2013. Bob is well known as being one of the UK’s greatest anglers, with an extensive list of championship titles behind him. He's also a familiar face on TV, with years of presenting on Discovery Shed.

Joining them is Henry Gilbey, a fishing photographer, writer, TV presenter and consultant by trade - but at heart he’s an out-and-out fishing junkie with a very serious obsession with saltwater fishing in Ireland. Henry writes and photographs for fishing magazine all around the world, has presented four fishing TV series for Discovery and has just seen the launch of his third fishing book.

Returning for a third year will be the ever-popular Hywel Morgan and his talented daughters Yasmin and Tanya. Hywel is a world fly casting champion and has fished competitively the world over, winning numerous titles. Hywel also a has an impressive background in TV fishing shows.

Professional guide, fly casting instructor and angling writer Paddy McDonnell will be giving some talks at the show on fly fishing for salmon. The mystique that is sometimes associated with fly fishing for salmon can be daunting, especially for beginners, so this format will cater for anglers of all levels of experience.  

A host of well-known angling experts will also be available with demos and presentations on every aspect of angling, whether sea, game or coarse.

Always a central feature at the Ireland Angling Show is the interactive family area, expertly managed by the very knowledgable Dublin Angling Initiative and their dedicated team.

Children of all ages and experience can learn everything they need to know to take up fishing, such as learning how to set up a fishing rod, tie a fishing knot and put bait on a hook. Many of Ireland’s most experienced and well known anglers will be present to give freely of their time, knowledge and expertise.

And as ever there will be a huge selection of tackle and trade stands offering products to suit every budget.

Organisers Mara Media have also announced that the show will coincide with the Irish Specimen Fish Committee Awards Day.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the awards will be held on Saturday 16 February 2013 at the Bewley's Airport Hotel. There will be a free shuttle bus running between the hotel and the angling show, as well as special room rates for anglers travelling to either event.

For more information and how to book your tickets visit www.irelandanglingexpo.ie.

#ANGLING - Hooked Live!, Ireland’s premier angling and fishing show, is returning to the CityWest Hotel and Lakes this weekend 10-11 March for the third year running.

Spey caster and innovator Ian Gordon is the latest star to join the already confirmed visitor favorites Paul Young, Henry Gilbey, Scott MacKenzie, Andrew Ryan and AGPAI Ireland, who will bring world-class casting demonstrations, talks and personal one-to-one sessions designed to improve and empower visitors to become better anglers.

Bringing the best in Irish angling water sports, with new tackle, venues and angling techniques, Hooked Live! also caters for the fly-fishing enthusiast with fly-tying and casting lessons.

And that's not to mention fly-fishing on our fully stocked lake, where both trout and perch will readily take a fly. Indeed, there are many top prizes to be won in the Lakes Fishing Challenge.

Sea anglers are also catered for and welcome at Hooked Live! and for the coarse fisher, there will be top class exhibits with great tackle and equipment available and a range of venues which will produce results.

Popular seminars will also cover some of the new and successful tackle and techniques which are now being used to catch more fish.

Also returning to Hooked Live! will be the Sporting Gun Show. Taking advantage of the synergy between shooting and fishing, visitors will be able to pick up bargains on end-of-shooting-season stock.

Tickets for Hooked Live! 2012 are priced from just €10 and are available now from tickets.ie. For more details visit the official website at www.hooked.ie

Hooked Live! returns to Dublin’s Citywest Hotel and Lakes from 26-27 February in what organisers promise will be their biggest and best weekender yet.

Whether you are an expert at angling or just looking to try the latest fishing gear, visitors can browse a wide range of top angling suppliers and tackle shops, and even join in the fun on a fully stocked lake.

There will be indoor casting master classes and fly-tying workshops in the brand new Citywest Exhibition Centre, as well as live outdoor demonstrations from TV personalities and renowned anglers including Paul Young, Scott Mackenzie, Henry Gilbey, Peter O’Reilly, Anderw Ryan and Jim Hendrick, to name but a few. 

The weekend will also feature the Sporting Gun Show, with excellent deals from some of Ireland's top shooting retailers, and a laser clay line where anyone can try their crack-shot skills.

Tickets are priced at €12 for adults and €10 for children, with a €2 discount if you buy online at www.hooked.ie.