Bright future for budding anglers!

Three major projects to encourage youngsters to take up fishing have been hailed resounding successes by organisers.  

First, the benefits of the Angling Trust’s Talent Pathway – a programme to help nurture and progress young anglers into becoming England Internationals – could be seen at this year’s Under-15 World Championships in Italy, where Sensas Team England angler Callum Jennings took the silver medal in the individual rankings with the team securing fourth.

England Under-15 manager Joe Roberts told Angling Times: “The Talent Pathway has proved the knockers wrong, and I couldn’t be happier. I’d expect and urge any young angler who wants to fish for England at any youth level to attend, get free coaching and throw their hat into the ring.”

Another event that took place recently and was aimed at getting youngsters into fishing was the Get Hooked On Fishing sessions at the BBC’s Countryfile Live show at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. 

The initiative’s CEO Sarah Collins told us how the event went, saying: “Our sessions proved very popular, with us being fully booked before noon on all four days. 

“We estimate that more than 5,000 people came through the fishing area and engaged with either our free coaching sessions, our interactive games area, artwork, or music. 

“The response we had was overwhelmingly positive, in fact the only negative comment was that we were fully booked.

“This means that at next year’s event we can apply for more space for fishing and coaching. This is only possible, though, with more volunteers, who are vital to our success. 

“Our main aim was to show that fishing is something for all the family, and I think we definitely showcased this.”

One of the most popular annual events for youngsters is Korda’s Carp Academy and this year’s was no exception. 

While fishing with superstars such as Danny Fairbrass and Tom Dove, the 24 youngsters taking part caught a total of 206 fish weighing up to 31lb in the
48-hour event held at Todber Manor Fishery earlier this month.

With events like these leading the way, and regular organised ‘learn to fish’ days at clubs and fisheries around the country, there has never been a better time for youngsters to get into angling.