The two competitions, one a junior event and one for adult anglers, aims to help highlight the sport of angling and encourage more people to get involved and help keep the angling tradition alive and well.
The first event, the Angling Trust Division Two National Championships, is taking place on Saturday 14 September from 11am – 4pm on the canal near Market Drayton. Aimed at anglers over 18 years, around 430 anglers are expected to compete with the oldest competitor being 90 years and 363 days - the oldest ever National Championship competitor since the event began in 1906. Donald Peirson is travelling from West Yorkshire to take part. He first competed at the national level back in 1975.
The top ten teams on points will be promoted to the first division and have the opportunity to take part in the next round of the Championship on the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes in 2020.
On Sunday 15 September from 12noon to 4pm the National Junior Canal Championships, which is sponsored by Angling Direct, and is part of our Let's Fish initiative, is taking place near the village of Church Eaton. Over 80 young anglers divided into three age categories are taking part with a winner from each category. The winner from each will be the angler who has caught the highest weight of fish overall.
John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager, said: “This is a great weekend for fishing with two fantastic angling events taking place along the Shropshire Union Canal. We're expecting lots of anglers and spectators over the two days, so it should a really fun event."
“Fishing is brilliant, it's cheap, readily accessible and also provides some real benefits for local communities. As the charity that cares for the canals we're keen to see more people getting involved."
“Research shows that being next to water is good for your mental and physical health so why not give angling a go and enjoy spending some quiet time along your local canal – you won't regret it and you'll help keep the angling tradition alive and well.”
To encourage more children and adults to give angling a try we host free Let's Fish! events across the country to introduce the sport to those who have never tried it. At the free session, professional angling tutors explain the fundamentals of fishing as they give attendees the thrilling opportunity of reeling in their first catch.
To find a Let's Fish event near you, visit our Find a free fishing event page.
