The programme of over 500 'Lets Fish!' events across England and Wales will offer getting on for 15,000 places for people to try or get back into angling.
10 year anniversary
Summer 2022 marks ten years since canals in England and Wales were put in trust to the nation and became a charitable cause. To celebrate, and with thanks to the support of local angling clubs and funding from players of People's Postcode Lottery, we're hosting the events in many urban areas where the local canal offers a green space for people to benefit by spending time in nature.
All participants to 'Lets Fish! Introductory' events will receive free one-to-one tuition from qualified licensed coaches. The taster events are suitable for adults, and children aged six and above, whether they are completely new to fishing or are getting back into it after a break. The events get underway in April and continue through to November.
The 'Let's Fish!' programme has gone from strength to strength since being introduced back in 2016 with over 25,000 people having taking part since its inception. Continued support from players of People's Postcode Lottery has helped enable the programme to continue into 2022, with everything needed to enjoy a fishing session free on the day, such as tackle, bait, a rod licence and fishing permit, as well as expert tuition from a coach.
Developing your skills
John Ellis, our national fisheries and angling manager, comments: “Fishing is fun, it's good for your mind and body, and it's something the whole family can enjoy. In our tenth anniversary year as a charity, 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.
“Spending time by the water fishing is a feel-good accessible activity that people can do in the heart of our towns and cities, with canals being local and on-the-doorstep for millions of people. The Let's Fish! programme hosts many events within walking distance of the local community in places where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can take part, with all the equipment provided.
“A special mention goes to the Let's Fish! events in the Midlands: as the Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham, there will be the chance to take part in over 20 local Commonwealth Communities Celebration fishing events, part of the United by Birmingham 2022 community programme.
“This year people will have the opportunity to develop their fishing skills by returning to Let's Fish! time and again. We have also launched a new certificate programme and schools' package – building links with schools near to the canal network to encourage children to get outside and into nature.”
