#Angling - Ireland’s top mentalist - and passionate angler - Keith Barry is encouraging kids of all ages to get hooked on angling during Fisheries Awareness Week 2013.

Angling events for newcomers to the sport will continue at coastal and inland venues across the country till Sunday 19 May.

This is the fifth year of Fisheries Awareness Week, with 50 events in 16 counties dedicated to sea angling, pike angling, trout angling, coarse angling and salmon angling as well as family fun days, school days and more.

Minister Fergus O’Dowd heaped praise on Keith Barry for his involvement in the week. “It’s no surprise Keith loves angling as who could fail to be hypnotised by the magic of this absorbing activity?” he said.

“Keith has a real love of angling and a genuine interest in the outdoors. This passion really shines through when he is sharing is love of angling with the next generation.”

Fisheries Awareness Week aims to encourage youths and adults alike to take up the pastime of angling but also works with existing anglers to heighten their awareness of the environment.

The event is run by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in conjunction with fishing clubs, charter boat skippers and private fishery owners.

"Fisheries Awareness Week offers loads of opportunities for people, young and old, to get out on the water and go fishing," said IFI's Suzanne Campion. "Everyone from experts to complete novices are welcome but we hope that as a result of the week more people will take up angling as a pastime.”

Events are free and open to all, with family fun a priority. Check out events in your area by logging on to www.faw.ie.

#ANGLING - 'Gone fishing' is where Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) wants you to be during Fisheries Awareness Week from tomorrow 12 to 20 May.

Full details of events taking place country-wide for Fisheries Awareness Week are available on FAW.ie. Most events are free and with so much going on and there is sure to be something happening near you.

Something else that's free for the week is your fishing permit. Minister of State for Natural Resources Fergus O'Dowd announced on Tuesday that the permit fee is waived for angling on Inland Fisheries Ireland's trout and coarse permitted fisheries during Fishing Awareness Week.

The minister noted that "recreational fishing in Ireland is often a shared family or group activity, contributing to community cohesion and development. It also provides benefits through its outdoor, physical nature for individuals, and brings a shared responsibility of our fisheries resources."

Encouraging everyone to get involved, IFI head of business Suzanne Campion said: "This is a great opportunity to try fishing. There is old fishing gear lying in the back of sheds all around the country and now is the time to dust it off and get together with friends and family for a fun day's fishing."

Fisheries Awareness Week events include balsam bashes, fly-tying and sea, pike, coarse and game angling. And with 70 events taking place in 22 counties, there is plenty of choice and opportunity.