Brilliant summer for kids' fishing!
Angling received a massive boost this week with the news that junior rod licence uptake has risen by 25 per cent.
According to the latest Environment Agency figures the permit, which is now free to youngsters between the ages of 12 and 16, was taken up by 52,117 anglers at the end of the 2016/17 season and rose to 65,487 as of August 21, 2017.
Along with the free licence, the welcome increase in junior participation in the sport is being put down to the record number of events held this summer designed to introduce new blood into the sport.
The EA worked in partnership with organisations such as the Angling Trust, Get Hooked On Fishing (GHOF) and National Fishing Month in order to run fun fishing events in every corner of the country – and judging by the recent statistics it’s a move that’s paid dividends.
Kevin Austin, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Children today have a wealth of technology at their fingertips and that, coupled with the costs parents face, makes it easy to see why fewer youngsters are enjoying outdoor activities.
“We’re really pleased to see that a growing number of young people are taking up the offer of a free junior licence, helping them to enjoy the outdoors and this great sport.
“Today’s children are the anglers of tomorrow. It’s important we attract them to the sport early, and offering a free fishing licence is one way to achieve that.
“Not only does fishing offer great health and educational benefits, but angling generates over £1 billion for the UK economy and creates over 37,000 full-time jobs.
“This is a great platform for us to build on, and bodes so well for the future of fishing.”
