15,000 anglers introduced to the sport in one month
Over 15,000 new anglers have been recruited to the sport thanks to the success of this year’s National Fishing Month.
The nationwide campaign was staged by clubs and fisheries in a bid to attract new blood into the sport, with 310 free tuition and taster sessions being run during the campaign.
Organisers have now revealed that the event – which ran between July 18 and August 31 to coincide with school holidays – has once again been a major success. Chief coordinator Naidre Werner told Angling Times: “National Fishing Month remains the sport’s most important recruiting sergeant, and I am delighted that our numbers once again reflect this.
“We are already planning next year’s effort and are confident we can include more events and draw in even more participants,” she added.
One group that was heavily involved in NFM was the Kevin Green Academy which was set up in memory of the former Improve Your Coarse Fishing editor who sadly passed away last year.
Coaches from the outfit passed on their knowledge to over 600 children during days at Essex’s Puddledock Farm and chairman Martin Rosseler said: “Everybody had a fantastic time and we had a significant number of new visitors attend. We also noted a marked increase in the number of girls who participated which is a great thing to see.”
Those views were shared by Gloucestershire’s South Cerney AC who used Cotswold Water Park for their activities.
“Some of those involved had never even considered fishing before and they certainly seemed ‘hooked’ by the end,” said committee member Craig Hunt. “National Fishing Month is an essential tool to growing our sport and we are proud to be involved,” he added.
