18 July 2016
CANAL CHARITY INVITES FAMILIES TO GET HOOKED ON FISHING
· Campaign to reverse decline in fishing
· Free fishing events and 1000 starter kits up for grabs
· Charity introduces fishing as a universal sport for the whole family
Canal & River Trust, the charity which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is holding a series of free fishing events from July through to September to celebrate National Fishing Month.
‘Go Fish!’ is being organised by the charity and local angling club partners to offer families a chance to try their hand at fishing and discover their local waterway. Attendees have the opportunity to reserve a free starter kit and receive guidance from a professional fishing coach.
Fishing has experienced a decline in numbers, especially among youngsters, as more and more young people turn to computers in their leisure time. In the past six years, sales of junior rod licenses has dropped by over half. The Trust is keen to help reverse these figures and help communities get the most out of fishing and their local canal or river. (1)
John Ellis, National Fisheries & Angling Manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Canals are fun places to explore. They provide a place for both nature and people to thrive – including your little ones!”
“Our waterways are home to literally millions of fish with around 40 different species. There’s nothing quite like fishing for helping you slow down and get in touch with nature. We hope these free taster sessions will get more people, young and old, hooked on their local canal or river.”
John added: “Fishing is a universal sport: anyone can do it, at any time. It can be enjoyed throughout the year, on a warm summer’s day or a crisp winter’s morning by the water. It can provide an escape from the pressures of everyday life and a way to relax and unwind whilst re-connecting with your natural surroundings.”
Please visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/go-fish to find event details for your local Go Fish! taster session and visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/fishing for more information about fishing.
Free fishing starter kits which can be reserved online and a limited number will be given away on a first come first served basis at the events.
(1) Figures from the Environment Agency reveal in 2010/11 junior rod sales were at 119,520 but this dropped to 56,358 at the end of 2015/16 (a drop of 52%)
Images available at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/azbbkrcxz2xazi2/AABl26A9SWtELGAniM9_g_T9a?dl=0
Learn to fish video content available at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiMbOYQeMrfLRi0cs_IT_2o1CE9cfR_q4
Fishing facts and myth busting available at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/azbbkrcxz2xazi2/AABl26A9SWtELGAniM9_g_T9a?dl=0
Seven reasons why fishing is good for you available at:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/features/seven-reasons-why-fishing-is-good-for-you
National Fishing Month 2016 runs between 22nd July and 29th August. The aim of National Fishing Month is to encourage every family member to have a go at fishing. More information available at: www.nationalfishingmonth.com
Our waterways are home to millions of fish, around 40 different species. The Canal & River Trust is the single owner of coarse fishing rights in England and Wales with over 2,000 miles of waterways and over 40 feeder reservoirs. It is estimated that it would cost £40 million to replace all the trust’s fish stock.