From Magnificent Mersey match to Picturesque Parkland Perch – 2 events in 1 day for Danny

The venues for two Get Fishing events in one day couldn’t have been more different. What they both had in common though was the love of fishing that’s long been a part of life in  North West England. It’s what got me hooked on fishing growing up in Liverpool, led to a life in angling and a job as a Partnership Development Officer for the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing campaign…

At the first event I got to fish alongside a group of experienced and dedicated anglers in their early morning competition on the River Mersey, smack-bang in the heart of Liverpool.

It’s brilliant to see how popular fishing has on the river has got again. A lot of this has been down to the work of supportive sea angling clubs like Wirral Sea Anglers and Sefton Sea Anglers who are on a mission to get people out and enjoying angling in this urban environment.

The sea fishing here is right on the city’s doorstep with houses just a stone’s throw away. As well as that it can be productive, simple fishing. Combined with great transport and parking that means everyone’s a winner!

Both these clubs have an extensive diary of events running throughout the whole year and anyone brave enough can join them for sunrise to fish this ever-popular North West spot.

The match winner was Steve Trish from Sefton Sea Anglers. “It’s always a pleasure to be fishing the ever-improving River Mersey as the sun is rising…” Steve said “…and to have a good bunch of mates here and all catching fish is even better!”

I can only agree with this sentiment and I couldn’t think of a better way to welcome the day. These guys totally recharged my passion for the river and I’ll be using every opportunity to fish there again over the coming weeks of winter.

By midday it was time for a change of scenery. I jumped in the car and a short journey saw me arrive at Orrell Water Park’s Family Fishing event. These free sessions for families are funded by Environment Agency fishing licence sales and all the newcomers were soon tackled-up, on the bank and finding fish – all easy with the help of expert Angling Coach Bill Hurst and local volunteer Eddie. They had the visitors catching some real lumps almost immediately. A bit of a surprise, but one that kept everyone happy, occupied and interested!

Local mum Zoe told me: “This is wonderful. I wasn’t sure if the boys would sit still and concentrate because they’re both so active, but they’ve been busy right from the off. They’ve already said they want to come back next time. What makes it good too is that as well as great fishing there’s a superb Café!”

I gave Brett a hand fishing too and while we chatted he commented “This is a wonderful experience for all of us. It was easy to book on, the coaches have been completely great and as for the fishing… one word – FANTASTIC!”

There you go then – two completely different types of venues, fishing and people. From expert sea anglers in an urban city-centre to beginner coarse fishing in a picturesque woodland nature reserve. It’s all within reach of lucky people like me. The great thing is though, you can find our nationwide Get Fishing lessons right across the country, and tackle, bait and coaching is all free. Hope to meet you at one soon!

Danny

Daniel Williams
Angling Development Officer (North), Angling Trust
[email protected]
07854 240 368

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