In 2019 over 8,000 children, mums, dads and grandparents caught a fish for the first time with Let's Fish! If you have a question about our Let's Fish! events you can find the answers below.
Group of friends get their certificates at Let's Fish!
What age group are Let’s Fish! introductory sessions suitable for?
Generally, these events are for children from four to 94 years old. Yes, anyone can come along and learn to fish. For some young children, 10 or 15 minutes might be enough and for young children sharing a 30-minute slot is fine.
I'm bringing my children to Let’s Fish! for the first time. Do I need to bring anything special?
A fold up chair would be useful so you can watch the fishing in comfort. Choose suitable clothing for the predicted weather forecast and consider suncream or raincosts - again depending on the weather.
I have a disability. Is Let’s Fish! suitable for me?
Disabilities come in many shapes and forms. We do our best to make sure everyone can take part, where we're able to do so safely. At some locations, access to our historic network can be challenging. Please contact us by email at fisheries@canalrviertrust.org.uk and we'll ask the lead coach to get in touch with you to discuss individual situations.
Do I need to have an Environment Agency/Natural Resources Wales rod licence to attend Let’s Fish?
No, we have special exemption for all Let’s Fish! participants, so, providing you have signed in at the welcome desk, you'll be legally covered. Parents/guardians who decide to have a go at fishing during the day will need to sign in to get the legal exemption. People under 13 don’t need a rod licence. Young people between the ages of 13 and 16 inclusive who go fishing following a Let’s Fish! event must have a rod licence. The good news is that they can get a free rod licence here.
Do I need a club membership or Waterway Wanderers permit to be able to attend an event?
No, there is no requirement for persons attending Let’s Fish to have a fishing permit. If you decide to take up the sport in future, you may well end up joining one of our customer clubs. There is more information about them here. Clubs who are partners in Let’s Fish! will typically have information about their club at the Lets Fish! welcome desk.
Do I need to bring any bait?
No, the Let's Fish! coaches bring fishing bait most suitable for the venue. You can find out more about the best canal fishing baits in our fishing skills section.
Do I need to bring my own tackle at introductory Lets Fish! events?
No, we provide all the necessary equipment suitable for the venue. Our coaches use the equipment that we judge will bring the best results at each venue.
Can I use my own tackle while being coached at introductory Lets Fish! events?
No, we don’t advise people to bring their own tackle. Our coaches will have all the necessary equipment suitable for the venue. Our coaches are trained to only use the equipment that brings the best results. If you attend further development session, then you'll be encouraged to use your own equipment.
I have some old tackle in the loft. Can I bring it along for coaches to look at to see if it is suitable?
By all means. Our coaches will be only too happy to advise on the suitability of any items.
Am I allowed to book more than one 30-minute slot per person?
As these events are free introductory sessions, it is only fair that everyone who wished to, gets an opportunity for a free 30-minute slot so sadly you can only book one per person. If spare slots become available, we'll try to extend the fishing period accordingly. For 2020, we are exploring Let’s Fish! development sessions where slots will be around hour hours long.
Can I stay and fish after my session?
Yes, usually we do allow this providing there is enough space available at the event. You would need to use your own fishing equipment and bait, and not fish within 50 metres of the Let’s Fish! coaches so not to impact on the Let’s Fish! coaching activity.
I really enjoyed my first Let’s Fish! taster event. Are you allowed to attend more than once?
Absolutely! Please feel free to book on and attend as many as you wish.
Will I have to hold maggots and fish?
If you want to, then of course you will get the opportunity. If not, learning to do these things can wait until a future session. All our coaches have a supply of hand sanitiser gel so you will come away from the event with clean hands.
Will I be shown how to unhook and return fish to the water without harming them?
Yes, the coach will show you this. You may get an opportunity to unhook your own fish should you wish to do so.
How many Let’s Fish! do I need to attend before l will be able to fish without a coach?
This depends on many factors. Ask your coach for advice at the next Let’s Fish! session you attend.
Can I enter the cadet/junior championships even though I am a newcomer to fishing?
Yes, this event is designed to be a celebration of angling and caters for young people with a wide range of fishing experience and ability. Realistically, it is suitable for someone with a minimum of three or four hours of Let’s Fish! experience.
You need to be able to be able to tackle up, hold your pole, strike at bites, land fish, bait the hook, feed and unhook fish, although help in using a disgorger is allowed from your parent/guardian. Help is also allowed on the day through the use of a landing net to land big fish although the participant must hold the rod or pole at all times. Should you wish to discuss further drop us an email fisheries@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Are there options available for private group bookings or individual coaching days?
Yes. Email us directly fisheries@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Last date edited: 16 October 2019