Let's Fish! Campaign brings in 7,000 new anglers

THE FUTURE of fishing is brighter than ever after a recruitment campaign introduced more than 7,000 youngsters to the sport in 2019. 

The Let’s Fish! project, run by the Angling Trust and the Canal & River Trust (CRT), was designed to encourage families to give angling a try through 250 free fishing events held across the country.

John Ellis, the CRT’s National Fisheries and Angling Manager, said: “These events have proven incredibly popular since we first went into partnership with the Angling Trust in the spring of 2018.

“You never forget catching your first fish and these events have got a really important role to play in developing the next generation of anglers. 

“Let’s Fish! provides the opportunity to discover the health and wellbeing benefits of fishing, while enjoying some quality family time and having a go at something different.”

In addition to the success of the Let’s Fish! initiative, some angling clubs have also been implementing their own coaching schemes.

Bryan Dray, who is a licensed level two coach for Lets Fish! and Wellingborough and District Nene AC, said: “We’ve established an angling development team with three Level 2 and three Level 1 coaches, and as a result we’ve managed to boost our junior membership numbers from around 50 to 176. Plus, at least one parent from each child has joined the club.

“Our in-house junior matches are attended by 20 to 25 anglers per match, and this was only limited by the size of the lake we could use! We see our jobs as not creating future world champions, but shaping anglers that will hopefully support their local clubs in the years to come.”

Get involved

If you would like to become an angling coach or want to find out more information about Let’s Fish events in 2020, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing/lets-fish