Learn to fly-fish at Le Méridien Al Aqah
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort will welcome back world-renowned British angler Martin James as he teaches his acclaimed fly-fishing academy at the resort from April 9 to 18, 2010, with a new course designed to teach children the basics of fly-fishing.
The Fujairah Salt Water Fly Fishing Academy, launched in 2006, has proved so popular in the past, that Martin is coming back to help a new season of people, including children aged 11 to 17, become adept at the sport.
The waters off Le Méridien Al Aqah have long been the chosen destination for fishing enthusiasts but the academy can help anyone from beginners to experienced fans improve their skills. Fly fishing as a sport is believed to have originated as early as the second century, but the past 30 years have seen an increase in its popularity and, with the perfect weather in Fujairah at this time of year, it is the ideal time to try it out.
“The course is an integral part of our leisure offerings. Through his unmatched fishing experience, Martin can teach anybody from a novice to seasoned fisherman the skills of fly-fishing,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah
“Many parents enjoyed the course in previous years and asked us to include a children’s course so that will feature for the first time this year. Although fly-fishing is not as easy as it looks, Martin can help all people of all ages be more successful at it,” added Antaki.
Martin, who hosts a weekly show on BBC Radio Lancashire, is an advocate of fishing for fun, returning all catches to the sea and choosing hooks covered with silk furs that do not cut into the fish rather than the traditional live bait.
Fly-fishing has taken Martin around the globe, as he seeks out different varieties in the world’s top fishing spots. He has also won numerous national awards for his skills, which he will impart on participants of this year’s academy.
“Some of my most memorable experiences have been at Fujairah and Le Méridien Al Aqah. I hope people will come and enjoy the academy and try their hand at this incredibly fun sport,” said Martin.
“Fly-fishing is one of the most relaxing sports but also one of the most rewarding, especially when you catch a fish for the first time. Since the academy began, the interest from women has increased and they’re now competing neck-to-neck with the male anglers,” added Martin.
Le Méridien Al Aqah has announced several packages for the academy, starting at AED 975 during the week and AED 1,275 at the weekend. Both rates are inclusive of taxes, breakfast and the fishing course with lunch provided. Non-resident two-day packages cost AED 600, inclusive of lunch and taxes. The Kids’ Course is affordably priced at AED 100 per day per child, including lunch and two refreshment breaks.
The academy, which will run from Friday April 09th to Sunday April 18, is always popular so anglers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Registration closes on March 25. For more information, email: reservations@lemeridien-alaqah.com
