OVER the past two years the number of anglers in Britain has blossomed, and this month the UK’s largest-ever participation drive gets under way in a bid to entice even more newcomers into the sport.
Since it was first launched in 2016, the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) highly successful Let’s Fish campaign has introduced more than 25,000 people to the joys of angling, and this summer the programme is set to hit new heights, with a record 500 events due to take place.
“It’s fantastic that we’re going to be able to offer Let’s Fish to more people than ever, with space for up to 15,000 people to receive one-to-one tuition from our experienced coaches,” said John Ellis, CRT National Fisheries and Angling Manager.
“Fishing is a feel-good, accessible activity that people can do in the heart of our towns and cities, with canals on-the-doorstep for millions of people. Everyone, regardless of background or ability, can take part, and all equipment will be provided free,” he added.
News of the scheme’s expansion comes in the same week that fishing was officially declared a ‘fun, safe and friendly’ pastime by the Child Protection Unit in Sport (CPSU).
Richard Hadley, Lead Safeguarding Officer at the Angling Trust, is delighted with the sport’s new status ahead of a busy calendar of family fishing events. He said: “When participants, parents, carers, and coaches feel safe doing what they enjoy, people can spend more time focussed on enjoying the activity. Fishing should always be ‘fun, safe and friendly’, and the CPSU recognition is a great endorsement of this.”
GET INVOLVED in let’s fish 2022
For more details on the programme, visit:www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish