Angling's national rod licence fishing lottery is set to launch on March 29th with a staggering one million prize pot of cash and tackle.

Sponsored the Angling Trust and by Shimano (as part of its 90th birthday celebrations), the Angling Lotto will begin ready for the annual rod licence renewal date of April 1.

The huge prize fund is the biggest in fishing history and Shimano UK MD Craig Brew believes the project is a fitting way to celebrate the company's anniversary.

"This is a great initiative that rewards anglers for simply paying their annual rod licence. The funding the licences deliver into the sport helps to maintain our waterways and fish stocks. Shimano is going to be making thousands of anglers very happy this season. Buy your licence and take part for free!"

The licence lottery was first trialled over a four month period last year and is a prize draw open to everyone who owns a rod licence.

On the reverse side of every permit issued by the Environment Agency, there is a unique reference number - this is your personal lottery number.

Simply check the list of 500 winning lucky numbers only printed in Angling Times every week and you could be a winner.

Cash prizes will range from 10 to 10,000 pounds, and tackle will all be exclusively from top manufacturer Shimano.

All their leading products - from carp reels to match poles - will be up for grabs on a weekly basis and the giveaway runs till December 31.

The lottery is also co-sponsored by the Angling Trust and individual members of the sport's representative body will receive bonus chances to win cash and gear prizes.

Angling Times editor Richard Lee added:"The initial rod licence lottery trial proved hugely popular and we're delighted to have found a sponsor as respected as Shimano to back this year's scheme. The one million pound prize fun is unrivalled in the sport and with money tight for many families at the moment, we hope to put a lot of fantastic tackle and bundles of cash into your hands to make 2011 a year to remember."