Thousands Get Hooked on Fishing at BBC Countryfile Live 2018

Angling reached another milestone this summer when over 1,000 people had a go at fishing during what has been billed as “the summer’s best day out”, BBC Countryfile Live 2018.

Completely free fishing sessions for newcomers organised by the UK’s largest angling charity Get Hooked on Fishing were one of the show’s main draws. Families keen to discover the wonders of angling hurried to the waterside area to book places, and each of the 4 days of fishing were fully booked before midday!

Hundreds of roach and perch were caught by beginner anglers during simple lessons provided by Get Hooked on Fishing. Volunteers helped participants to understand the basics of fishing and provided information on where to go next to find family-friendly venues and affordable equipment.

BBC Countryfile presenter Carol Kirkwood took time out to give fishing a go at BBC Countryfile Live 2018

Get Hooked on Fishing also created a ‘Fishing Funfair’ with graffiti-art from Dusto. This attracted hundreds more families and children to come and get involved, with angling themed games to teach them the skills involved in fishing.

BBC Countryfile presenters past and present were keen to have a go at fishing too and Get Hooked on Fishing were thrilled to host Anita Rani, Carol Kirkwood, Helen Skelton and Sean Fletcher who all took time out of their busy schedules to relax by the waterside with a fishing rod! All the stars of the show as well as Margherita Taylor and Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country, expressed their interest in Get Hooked on Fishing’s work to provide positive opportunities for young people and communities through angling and The One Show‘s Mike Dilger pledged his support for Get Hooked on Fishing too.

Sarah Collins, Chief Executive of Get Hooked on Fishing said “To yet again have the opportunity to expose a huge non-angling audience to the amazing experiences that fishing can offer their families is another step to boost participation in this healthy, inexpensive and relaxing activity. The Get Hooked on Fishing Team are particularly thankful to the BBC and SME for providing us with the space and promotion, to Faye Hatcher for the opportunity to be on the ‘Explore Britain Stage’ and to all of the thousands of people who came and made BBC Countryfile Live 2018 such a huge success for angling.”

Look out for the fishing feature in BBC Countryfile on BBC 1, 19^thAugust 2018 and find more events like this at Get Fishing.

Click thumbnails to expand:

–ENDS–

Media Contacts:

More info and quotes: Sarah Collins, Chief Executive – Get Hooked on Fishing. [email protected]
Pictures: Will Smith, Angling Promotion Manager – Angling Trust. [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

‘Family Fishing’ is a collaborative project between the charity, Get Hooked on Fishingand the Angling Trust. Family fishing events have introduced hundreds of families and thousands of anglers to fishing for the first time. All Family Fishing sessions are FREE with fishing tackle provided, instruction from licensed coaches, a complimentary Environment Agency fishing licence for participants, plus activities for non-anglers and family members.

The Angling Trust is the national representative and governing body for angling in England. Its ‘Get Fishing’ campaign has helped thousands of people discover the wonders of angling. There are hundreds of free fishing lessons and events at getfishing.

Get Hooked on Fishing is a registered charity which provides positive opportunities for young people and communities. It delivers fun and interactive training through angling to give participants more confidence and demonstrate that there are alternative pathways and better opportunities available to them. www.ghof.org.uk

The Environment Agency funds the Angling Trust and Get Hooked on Fishing to provide more opportunities for people to go fishing and encourage sales of fishing licences. Money from fishing licence sales is spent on improving angling habitat and infrastructure. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency