Written By: Enviroment Agency
On Date: 11/9/2009
Why you're the key to angling’s bright future It turns out that most new anglers are introduced to fishing by friends and family. That makes you, an existing angler, the most important angling coach there is. If you like the idea of introducing friends and family to fishing but are a little nervous about whether they will enjoy it or how to make the trip a success then worry no more. Over 90 per cent attending angling introduction events say they had a great time — even if they didn’t go fishing again — so odds-on your friends will love it too. What can you do?
Encourage someone to attend an event — better still go with them. Find out if there is one near you by viewing the National Fishing Week website.
The events are usually free, gear and trained coaches are provided and a rod licence is not required. We team up with local coaches, angling clubs and fisheries to run properly coached angling sessions. To find out about other coaching sessions either co-ordinated by ourselves or partner organisations this summer visit our Angling Events 2009.
Alternatively you could go it alone. Use the free rod-licence voucher form in the July 21st edition of Angler’s Mail. Fill it in and it will allow your companion to have their first days fishing covered by your rod licence, saving them £3.50. Alternatively you could download the form from the National Fishing Week website from 24 July.
If you are thinking of taking a friend or family member fishing for the first time then we strongly recommend you check out the ‘Take a friend fishing’ advice pulled together by top angling photographer Matt Harris. Make that first trip a successful one and you could have an angling buddy for life!
Why is your help important?
Our surveys show loads of youngsters (and older people too) would take-up or come back to fishing — if only they had someone to help them learn. You could be that someone.
It’s understandable if you just want to go fishing. Nothing wrong with that, but without good participation levels any sport struggles to attract National and Local Government interest and funding. Without strong membership clubs lose waters or fold, fisheries close down. If anglers don’t fish local waters they are more likely to be flagged for development or be put ‘off limits’. Be in no doubt you are important to angling’s future.
Take a friend fishing