Cheshire angling programme hoping to 'reel-in' thousands of new participants this summer

Let’s Fish, the Canal & River Trust’s popular free angler taster sessions, are set to reel in a record year in Cheshire, with more than 20 events on offer across the county this summer and autumn.

They form part of what is believed to be the UK’s biggest ever participation initiative encouraging adults and children to enjoy the benefits of angling and spending time by water.

The waterways and wellbeing charity, which cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England and Wales, will be hosting taster days at six venues across Cheshire as part of its national programme of more than 500 introductory events.

In Cheshire, events are being organised in Nantwich, Runcorn, Chester (Christleton), Ellesmere Port (Hooton), Macclesfield and Winsford. Thanks to the support of local angling clubs and funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, all participants will receive free one-to-one tuition from qualified licensed coaches.

The introductory fishing events are suitable for adults, and children aged six and above, whether they are complete novices or returning to the sport after a break.

The events in Cheshire will continue throughout the summer and culminate in a national celebration of young people and fishing linked to this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.  Young people (age 6-20) will be encouraged to return and compete in a local Commonwealth Community Celebration Event taking place in Nantwich on Sunday 17 July. Free to enter, it is a chance to try out what new young anglers have learnt, alongside other competitors, supported by fishing coaches. Certificates and prizes will be awarded in three age categories.

Mark Parry, Canal & River Trust angling manager, said: “Fishing is fun, it's good for your mind and body, and it's something the whole family can enjoy.

“Summer 2022 marks ten years since canals in England and Wales were put in trust to the nation and became a charitable cause. It’s fantastic that we’re going to be able to offer Let’s Fish! to more people than ever, with space for thousands of people to receive one-to-one tuition from our experienced coaches.

“Spending time by the water fishing is a feel-good accessible activity that people can do in the heart of our towns and cities, with canals being local and on-the-doorstep for millions of people. The Let’s Fish! programme hosts many events within walking distance of the local community in places where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can take part, with all the equipment provided.”

The Let’s Fish! programme has gone from strength to strength since being introduced back in 2016 with over 25,000 people having taking part since its inception. Continued support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped enable the programme to continue into 2022 with potentially up to 15,000 people taking part nationwide, with everything needed to enjoy a fishing session free on the day, such as tackle, bait, a rod licence and fishing permit, as well as expert tuition from a coach. 

For details of this year’s current event programme, visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish.  To manage numbers on site, participants are required to book their place in advance.