Youngsters encouraged to join top anglers at new canal event

The new Canal Championship is being organised by the Canal & River Trust and Angling Trust as a way of encouraging more people to fish on the nation’s historic canal network. Taking place on September 14th it will see top anglers from around the country descend on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border to compete for the prestigious new trophy and a top prize of £1,250.

As well as attracting renowned anglers such as Paul Turner to the senior ‘Pairs’ match there will also be a free junior match open to 12-16 year olds. As with the senior match the top three young competitors will receive a match trophy and all entrants in the junior match will receive a prize to celebrate the event.

Alongside the matches there will also be some fun taster sessions enabling people of all ages to have a go and catch the angling bug. Expert licensed coaches from the Angling Trust will be on hand to show budding anglers of the future how to choose the right bait, cast off and reel in their catch.

Becca Dent, angling development manager for the Canal & River Trust said; “The Canal Championship promises to be a fantastic day and it’s a great opportunity to show people just how good angling on the nation’s beautiful canals can be.

“There’ll be some great competition both in the adult and junior matches but most of all the day will just be great fun. I’m really keen to see lots of local youngsters taking part in the junior match or, even if they’ve never picked up a fishing rod in their life, having a go at the free taster sessions.

“Canals are great for fishing, particularly for young people, as they’re easily accessible, cheap and run through most urban areas.  Through events such as this, we hope to get more people involved and inspire them to keep coming back.”

Entries to both the senior and junior matches need to be made by 15th August 2014. Anyone wanting to take part can book their place by emailing sandra.drew@anglingtrust.net or call 0115 9061 301 for more information.