FISHING in Wales needs to be better promoted, said world casting champion Hywel Morgan, as he gave demonstrations all last weekend at the first Welsh Game Fair at the Vaynol Estate in Gwynedd.

The Ceredigion-based fishing guide said the industry in Wales needs “boots on the ground” exhibiting at public events worldwide to show the world-class fishing on offer in his home country.

He said: “I have been working at international shows for the past 35 years.

“In that time, I have observed how both Ireland and Scotland have dedicated organisations whose sole job is pushing the tourism and country pursuits on offer in their respective regions.

“Why can’t Wales have something like this, too? We seem to be so secretive about what we have on offer here.

“We have top tier river, coastal and mountain lake fishing here for a myriad of species such as sea trout, salmon, brown trout and grayling.”

According to the latest Natural Resources Wales study, river fishing alone generates £20million each year for the Welsh economy.

But Hywel feels that this figure could be far exceeded if the opportunities were shouted about.

He added: “We need to attract fishermen from further afield.

“Compared to the rest of Britain, our fishing is much more affordable, and it is far simpler to purchase day tickets.”

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Welsh fishing clubs were out in force at the Welsh Game Fair, including Vale of Clwyd Angling Club, Seiont Gwyrfai and Llyfni Fishing Society, Llangollen Maelor Angling, and Corwen and District Angling Club.

As well as giving demonstrations, Hywel oversaw an array of casting competitions, including single-handed trout distance, double-handed overhead salmon distance and trout accuracy.

The first Welsh Game Fair took place from September 9-11 at the Vaynol Estate, near Bangor.

Aiming to become an annual event, it was organised by The National Game Fair Ltd, which also manages the production of The Game Fair and The Scottish Game Fair.

For more information, visit: www.welshgamefair.org.