By Kelsey Rambaran

rambaran.kelsey@miramichileader.com

11 Jun 2013 04:25PM

The Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre in South Esk hosted five schools on May 31 for a fly fishing symposium. Planning for the event started in late February.

Students from North and South Esk Regional High School, Miramichi Valley High School, Blackville School, Hampton High School and Rothesay High School heard from guest speakers on conservation efforts, were given a tour of the hatchery and took part in demonstration sessions on casting, fly tying and maintenance of rods, reels and lines. Students learned all the basics of fly fishing.

The speakers included Geoff Giffin from the Atlantic Salmon Confederation. Brett Silliker spoke on fly tying, and Stephen Smith held fly casting demonstrations.

Students had the chance to show off their skills in casting and fly tying competitions. Logan Brophy from Blackville School won the fly tying competition, Logan Tucker from North and South Esk won the fly casting competition and Nathaniel Nowlan from North and South Esk won the door prize. Prizes were Redington fly rod reel line outfits, donated from the New Brunswick Salmon Council.

“We are part of a group who are trying to promote fly fishing to the youth,” said Brock Curtis, a teacher from North and South Esk. “We want them to be connected with nature and start the sport for the future of the river.”

The symposium was part of a two-day fly fishing event. On June 1, students spent the day fishing on the main southwest Miramichi River. They also had a salmon dinner at North and South Esk, hosted by the Miramichi Salmon Association. The dinner raised $1,500, with proceeds going towards the school’s fly fishing club.