#Angling - Casting Territory: A Contemporary River Keepers’ Index of Lesser Known Patterns is a new collaborative art project by artist Martina O’Brien and the Dodder Anglers Club.

O'Brien uses the art of fly-tying – where the act of imitation meets intimate knowledge – to explore the angler’s inherent awareness of flora and fauna, physical geography and role as guardians of the River Dodder with a series of alternative flies.

The exhibition is divided across three locations – RUA RED in Tallaght, the RDS Library and Archives in Ballsbridge and the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre at Grand Canal Quay – allowing a complete story to unfold along the length and breath of the river’s axis.

In addition to this, a fly-tying demonstration will be followed by an artist-led discussion with Gareth Kennedy, Martina O’Brien and members of the Dodder Anglers core group at RUA RED from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 7 February.

And on Saturday 21 February a collaborative discussion with Dr Karen E Till of Maynooth University, Katherine Atkinson of Create, Martina O'Brien and the Dodder anglers will take place at 10am at the RDS Library and Archives, involving a walk to the Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre (prior booking is essential).

Casting Territory is supported by an Arts Council Artist in the Community Scheme Project Realisation Award managed by Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts.

#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

#ANGLING - Ciaran Reilly was awarded the title of best all-round fly-dresser for 2012 at the Connacht Youth Fly-Tying Championships in Loughrea, Co Galway recently, The Irish Times reports.

The 12-year-old from Loughrea is now set to captain the Connacht team in the national championships later this year. Runners-up were Conor Cunningham from Loughrea and Ryan Binley from Foxford.

“It was delightful to see so much enthusiasm among the youngsters, all eager to secure a place on the Connacht team,” said judge and former fisheries inspector Danny Goldrick.

The event on 21 January was run by the Western Lakes’ Angling School on behalf of Connacht Angling Council.

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.