Get Hooked on Fishing pleads for donations following tackle thefts

Bosses of the nation’s biggest coaching scheme are urging Angling Times readers to help them raise thousands of pounds to replace tackle stolen during a devastating raid.
Get Hooked on Fishing is responsible for boosting junior participation numbers every year, but the charity’s efforts were hampered when crooks made off with a huge stash of tackle that was vital to one of its centres.
Police are currently investigating the robbery at the regional headquarters, Bradshaw Fisheries in Bolton, Lancs, but the chaos the thieves caused has left officials unsure as to whether the large scale coaching operation will be able to continue this winter.
Sarah Collins is the organisation’s Chief Executive and has now asked anglers for help so that the charity can continue the progress that has been made over the years.
“The Bolton part of the project coaches just under 1,000 juniors every year but this episode has put all that in jeopardy,” said Sarah.
“Unless we can raise over £1,000 to replace the stolen tackle, our carp and pike fishing plans for the coming months will have to be shelved, with the general coarse fishing for beginners being severely restricted.
“Angling is a sport that has a long history of showing its generosity, and we would be incredibly grateful if anyone can step forward and help fund the equipment we so desperately need,” she added.
Salford Friendly Anglers were the first to step in and aid the fundraising efforts, and secretary Mike Duddy said: “We don’t have a junior section of our own so we felt this was a great way of supporting that area of the sport.
“The donations have already started flooding in and we also intend to hold a raffle and hand over some new tackle to help them get back on their feet,” he added.
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so by PayPal, making all payments to the admin@salfordfriendlyanglers account.
For details on other ways to donate call Sarah on 07525 255572.