Canal angling on the up!

THE NATION’S canals witnessed a surge in popularity among anglers following lockdown, it was revealed this week.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) said that since sport resumed on May 13, there had been a significant rise in fresh faces lining the banks and a 30 per cent year-on-year hike in sales of tickets for the Canal Pairs Championships qualifiers and Waterway Wanderers fishing permits.

The CRT’s National Fisheries and Angling Manager John Ellis said:

“It’s fantastic to see families and people of all ages taking an interest in canal fishing again and rediscovering what they have to offer. Many want to fish as close to home as possible and canals are perfect for this. 

“The Canal Pairs Champs could see in excess of 200 participating anglers – which is a rarity in this arm of the sport. It’s an exciting time for canal fishing.” 

The Angling Trust’s Let’s Fish campaign, which helps get families into fishing on canals for the very first time, is also now back up and running. Log onto the CRT’s website to book a free Let’s Fish session. 

More anglers are heading to the nation’s canals