The Let’s Fish! events, offer the opportunity for thousands of local people to pick up a fishing pole and enjoy spending time by the water’s edge.
Let's Fish!
Let’s Fish! is a national programme of over 400 introductory events taking place across England and Wales in 2024. Thanks to the support of local angling clubs and funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, all participants will receive one-to-one tuition from qualified licensed coaches. Let’s Fish! events are suitable for those aged six and above, whether they are completely new to fishing or are getting back into it after a break.
After trying a Let’s Fish! event, young people will be encouraged to return and compete in the Regional Celebrations taking place later in the summer. They are a chance to try out what participants have learnt, supported by qualified, licensed Let’s Fish! coaches and alongside other competitors. The events in will culminate in two flagship events in the autumn: the National Celebration of Young People and Fishing, and the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration. The National Celebration will be the biggest line up of young people fishing at one location this century.
A feel-good, accessible activitiy
John Ellis, our head of fisheries & angling, comments: “Fishing is a feel-good accessible activity that people can do in the heart of our towns and cities. The Let’s Fish! programme hosts many events within walking distance of local communities in places where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can take part, with all the equipment provided. It’s so important to keep canals alive as they’re on the doorstep of millions of people and we know that regularly spending time by the water is good for people’s wellbeing. We’re proud that our Let’s Fish! events have introduced thousands of young people to the sport and are developing our celebration events to support them in the next steps on their fishing journeys.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: “Our players have supported many initiatives by the Canal & River Trust since 2012 and Let’s Fish! is another wonderful event to engage local communities, while encouraging families to spend some quality time together learning a new skill. It’s great for everybody, no matter your background, to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of doing something outdoors in your local area.”
Find a fishing event
The Let’s Fish! programme was introduced in 2016 and around 20,000 people have taken part, filling nearly 45,000 slots, since its inception. Continued support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped enable the programme to continue into 2024, with everything needed to enjoy a fishing session on the day, such as tackle, bait, a rod licence and fishing permit, as well as expert tuition from a coach.
For details of this year’s current event programme, visit our Let's Fish! webpage. To manage numbers on site, participants are required to book their place in advance. Let’s Fish! events range from free to £5 per session, with the National Celebration priced at £7.
