Record numbers flock to try out angling in National Fishing Month

Organisers of National Fishing Month have announced this year’s event is on course to attract a record breaking number of participants.

The nationwide scheme has been responsible for attracting hundreds of thousands of people into the sport since its creation 20-years-ago, with newcomers being invited to take part in taster sessions across the country.

This year’s effort – which began on July 19 and is set to run until August 26 – will see over 300 different tuition days held at club and commercial waters, with high turnouts having been recorded at the first batch of events.

Officials are confident the positive trend will continue in the coming weeks and fully expect to beat the figures racked up in 2012 when over 14,000 people enjoyed their first angling experience.

Scheme coordinator Naidre Werner has been responsible for arranging the record breaking recruitment drive and she told Angling Times: “The weather has been a blessing this year and we expect to exceed our target of 15,000 participants.

“Since we started NFM two decades ago, we have helped bring over 275,000 people into the sport, proving the importance of staging such events.”

Angel of the North Lakes owner Ann Adlington has already staged a series of open days to celebrate NFM at the County Durham fishery and is adamant it is a vital part of promoting the sport.

“Fishing has never been so popular and that is thanks to schemes like National Fishing Month. I’ve been inundated with requests for coaching in recent weeks and it’s great to see,” explained Ann.

Thousands of places are still available on a vast array of coaching days and you can find out more about what is happening in your local area by visiting www.nationalfishingmonth.com