Junior fishing league is reel-ly catching on
A junior fishing league has caught on way beyond expectations with local teenagers.
Having started only in September, it now has 55 members who regularly take part at weekends.
The league was the brainchild of 12-year-old Herbie Zunino.
It is open to anyone under the age of 16, but under 12s must fish with an adult.
‘At the start, I just reached out to a few friends,’ said Herbie.
‘They told their friends and it grew from there. We now have a Facebook page, logo and membership cards.’
And the league is keen to hear from even more young anglers who might wish to take part.
Competition takes place almost every weekend. Fish caught from anywhere around the island between 4pm on a Friday and 9pm on a Sunday are eligible to be entered.
Categories include largest fish, biggest catch, and most different species.
There is also a category of best fish of the weekend, with the winner selected by Rob Houilbecq from Mick’s Fishing Supplies, which is now providing some of the prizes.
‘It is run in the spirit of getting everyone out fishing,’ said Herbie.
‘We cancel if the weather is bad. Safety is the most important thing. We are now thinking of running a few tips and teaching sessions too.’
Herbie himself has landed some winning catches, including bringing ashore eight dogfish, although perhaps the most eye-catching catch so far was a 20lb conger eel.
His dad Caleb is enthusiastic and supportive.
‘Parents have come up and said how much they are enjoying seeing their kids out in the fresh air, even if they don’t actually catch anything,’ he said.
‘Rob at Mick’s Fishing Supplies has been really supportive. He had thought about setting up something himself so was thrilled that the kids had done it on their own.’
League member Noah Croft found out about the competition through others taking part.
‘I didn’t know Herbie at all before the league started,’ he said. ‘I started fishing really young with my dad, but I really like going fishing with my friends. And if you catch something within size limits, you can take it home and cook it.’
More information is on the Guernsey Junior Fishing League Facebook page.
