Don’t knock these angling newbies! - Rob Hughes

I’ve seen a bit of talk on social media lately from people complaining about ‘pop-ups’ as they call them. These are groups of people who aren’t lifelong anglers but who’ve just spent a few bob on a box and a £30 nettle-thrasher and are out there on the bank, treating it like it’s a party, being loud and spoiling everyone’s day.

The thing is, we were all there at one stage. Not necessarily antisocial anglers, but beginners coming into a new sport, not knowing what to do, or how or where to do it. Back in the day, it’s likely that we had someone to guide us through those early stages.

Now no-one wants a gang of blokes pitching up with tents and tinnies. But we all know that angling has been shrinking over recent years and we could do with a numbers boost. 

In the current situation, and fishing being one of the few things people can do, now’s the time to encourage more people to try it, especially those who once fished and may still have some kit in the garage. 

As I write this, many lakes are crowded with the initial rush of social distancing anglers, but once things have calmed down a little, and if Government suggestions are right, we will soon be allowed to mix with people from other households.

If it’s safe, and you feel comfortable doing it, wouldn’t it be great if we could take a non-angling pal and their offspring for an evening out and encourage more people to take up fishing responsibly and properly?

Now is the time to encourage more people to try fishing.