20 free ‘Let's Fish' angling taster sessions are taking place across the Nene Valley, as well as in neighbouring areas including Foxton, between April and the end of September.
The sessions will encourage people to get outdoors and experience the peaceful family time offered by fishing. Visitors to the events will be taught the basics of fishing by a professional licensed coach and get the opportunity to learn about the huge variety of fish found in canals and rivers. Polish speaking staff will also be at each event as part of plans to encourage participants from across communities.
All tackle and bait as well as a rod licence and fishing permit will be provided for free on the day meaning people can just book in, turn up and have a go without having to worry about the cost.
It is planned that a winning pair of anglers will represent “Lets Fish” Nenescape at this year's National Junior Championships being held on the Shropshire Union Canal in September.
It comes after a success joint bid with and the Angling Trust to provide the events on behalf of the wider National Lottery Heritage Fund sponsored Nenescape Landscape Partnership Scheme.
John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager for the Canal & River Trust, explains: “Our Let's Fish sessions are always really popular and we're delighted to team up with Nenescape to enable people in the Nene Valley to have a go at fishing for free.
“Fishing on your local canal or river is a great way of clearing your mind and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Many people may not realise that it's also great exercise and that you can burn 500 calories in one morning's fishing.
“There's nothing quite like fishing for helping you slow down, learn a new skill and get in touch with nature. We hope these free taster sessions will get more people, young and old, interested in fishing on their local canal or river.”
Kelvin Allen, Nenescape project manager for the Angling Trust, said: “This program underpins the rich angling heritage within the Nene Valley, bringing together anglers from across communities, a vital component of the Landscape Partnership.”
