The event formed part of the Trust's Let’s Fish! programme, which introduces thousands of people to the joys of fishing each year. Made possible through funding from Postcode Lottery players, the programme encourages more children and young people to take up the sport and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.
In its biggest year yet, the National Celebration saw participants aged between six and 20 showcase their developing angling skills in a friendly, inclusive competition designed to inspire the next generation of anglers. Tackle Guru and several other companies supported the event.
Biggest year yet
he celebration was not just about who caught the biggest weight of fish. Instead, the focus was on fun, learning and teamwork, with every participant receiving a medal, fishing book, certificate, gudgeon mug, goody bag and an item of fishing tackle donated by members of the public to mark their achievement. Families, friends and local communities came together to cheer on the young anglers, creating a festival atmosphere along the canal.
John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “Fishing on our canals is about so much more than catching fish - it’s about building confidence, creating lifelong memories and making new friends.
Connecting with the outdoors
“To see 460 young people, including more than 100 representing schools, come together for this year’s National Celebration on the Shropshire Union Canal was truly inspiring. Events like this prove how powerful initiatives such as Let’s Fish! can be in connecting young people with the outdoors and with each other.”
The National Celebration of Young People & Fishing has continued to grow year on year and remains a highlight of the Let’s Fish! calendar, which offers free or low coast family-friendly taster sessions across the country.
The celebration took place over more than 30 miles of canal between the village of Little Onn and Market Drayton in Staffordshire.
