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
Angling Trust Talent Pathway is back!
A HOST of top anglers have thrown their weight behind the latest initiative to help find the matchfishing stars of the future.
In 2020 the Angling Trust Talent Pathway scheme is running nationwide to help anglers between the ages of 12-17 get a taste of performing in a match environment, and all under the guidance of some of the greatest names in the sport – including Matt Godfrey, Des Shipp and Frankie Gianoncelli.
In a double delight Guru and Mainline Match are also sponsoring the scheme and will be providing bait and tackle provisions to ensure anglers are well equipped during each coaching session.
Matt Godfrey with young anglers on the Talent Pathway scheme
Matt Godfrey, who will be managing the Midland’s coaching sessions, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for young and progressing anglers to learn from some brilliant names, win super prizes and have the chance to fish for England if you’re under 15-years-of-age.”
Having incentives for young people in fishing is something that 2018 Guru Match Academy Winner Brandon George thinks is extremely important.
The 18-year-old said: “The Talent Pathway is an incredible opportunity for any young angler – whether you’re new to fishing and just want to learn more about the sport and catch a few fish, or if you’re an experienced young angler and aspire to fish at an international level.
“If you’re looking to better your feeding and rig making, or simply improving your general set up, the Pathway crew are there to ensure you go home a better angler after every session.”
GET INVOLVED!
The Talent Pathway consists of three regional coaching sessions held in the North, Midlands and South, concluding with an inter-regional final held later in the year where anglers from each region will battle it out and put all their lessons and skills to the test.
For a full list of the planned coaching sessions and to find out how you can sign up, visit www.anglingtrustevents.net/coarse