Spring into Fishing is back for 2023 with free fishing sessions from the Angling Trust

Spring into Fishing is back for 2023 with free fishing sessions from the Angling Trust 

• Nationwide event series returns with free fishing events for families this April, May and June
• Going fishing is the ideal opportunity to spend time outdoors in nature
• Run by the Angling Trust and supported by the Environment Agency, Sport England, Angling Direct and Shakespeare Fishing Tackle
• FREE fishing sessions from the Angling Trust

 The Angling Trust’s Spring into Fishing campaign returns for a fourth year with FREE fishing sessions to re-awaken your love of the outdoors

Come and Spring into Fishing at free, fun, outdoor activity events for families around the country that are the perfect way to discover the wonderful world of angling. Everybody is welcome, to come and try fishing – whatever your age, ability or experience level.

Never been fishing before? No problem – tackle, bait, instruction and info on fishing clubs and places to go are all included for everyone at Spring into Fishing events.

Already a beginner? Great – come back and continue your introduction to angling, refresh your basic fishing skills this spring and discover some new fishing tips to help progress your angling to the next-level!

Spring into Fishing beginner sessions are quality assured by the Angling Trust to give the best possible experience of fishing to children, families and anybody who wants to find out what you need and where to go fishing. Funded by the Environment Agency and Sport England, Spring into Fishing gives everyone the chance to get outside, try fishing and learn new skills.

Free fishing events like this let you experience first-hand how fun, inexpensive and accessible fishing is, and how it’s good for your wellbeing to get outside next to water and simply tune-in to the peace and quiet of nature.

Spring into Fishing events are happening all over the country from April right through to June at fishing clubs and venues in partnership with friendly, helpful coaches and volunteers who will show you and your children what fishing is all about.

Spring into Fishing events in April, May and June are the perfect time to get back outdoors and get ready for a summer full of fishing fun. Find out more about what to expect at a Spring into Fishing event, and how to sign up in advance for a free event near you at www.anglingtrust.net/springintofishing. 

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust explained: “Spring into Fishing has always been a hit with families and newcomers looking to get back outside after winter when it’s not just about the fishing. At this time of year it’s about reminding yourself how everyone can have fun when you spend just a bit of time to re-connect with all the wonderful things you only get to see together at the waterside.”

Heidi Stone, Fisheries Partnerships Manager at the Environment Agency said: “Fishing is a fantastic way to get outdoors, reconnect with nature and try something new – not to mention the number of health and wellbeing benefits it brings. I’m delighted to once again support the Spring into Fishing campaign to help people up and down the country discover this great hobby with free fishing sessions on offer to take help take their angling to the next level.”

Don’t forget to share your fishing adventures this spring. Use #SpringIntoFishing #GetFishing
This year Spring into Fishing is happening when there are loads of special dates for your diary including bank holidays, school summer half term, the Coronation of King Charles III and to give you the chance to take part there’ll be at least one big, free, Spring into Fishing Flagship Event at a venue near to you with excellent accessibility, toilet and parking facilities plus the opportunity for existing fishing licence holding adult anglers to take a friend fishing.

Sign-up to be the first to hear the latest news at www.anglingtrust.net/springintofishing

Dates for your diary to Spring into Fishing this April May and June 2023

• Good Friday – Friday 7^th April
• Easter Monday – Monday 10^th April
• Take a Friend Fishing – 1^st to 16^th April
• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 1^st May
• Bank Holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III – Monday 8^th May
• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 29^th May
• School Half Term Holiday – Monday 29^th May to Friday 2^nd June

Get the latest events, news and offers:

Facebook: Get Fishing

TikTok: @getintofishing

Instagram: @getintofishing

Photos from Spring into Fishing events
Other photos and info available from [email protected]
Spring into Fishing and hundreds of other beginner Get Fishing events each year are
coordinated by the Angling Trust and funded by the Environment Agency

DOWNLOAD SPRING INTO FISHING 2023 POSTER PDF

— Ends —

Notes to Editors

Media enquiries and images: Please contact James Roche, Angling Development Manager for the Angling Trust – [email protected]

Facts about fishing:

• Going fishing is one of the nation’s most popular pastimes because people who go fishing fall in love with the way it combines being in nature, healthy activity and proven mental health benefits – it relaxes you, gives you a reason to get off your screen and a chance to forget about the challenges of daily life and the rising cost of living.
• Fishing is a low-cost activity that only needs a small amount of money and time to do. It’s easy to get into with a few bits of fishing tackle and a fishing licence. You do not need a licence if you are under 12 years of age and licences for 12 to 16 year-olds are free. www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence
• There is a close season on rivers which runs from 15th March to 15th June (inclusive). A close season may also apply on some stillwaters, drains and canals. Please check local rules and local fishing byelaws
• 8 million people live within 5 minutes’ walk of somewhere to go fishing and 11% of England’s population live just a 10 minute walk or 2 minute cycle of somewhere to go fishing.
• A OnePoll survey for the Angling Trust revealed that a quarter of people (26%) have enjoyed spending more time outdoors because it gives them ‘a sense of freedom’ and allows them to entertain their children (17%). A third of them (33%) are looking for an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.
• Fishing licence sales pay for the environment to be protected – in 2021/22 the Environment Agency and its partners opened up or improved habitats for fish on 602 kilometres (km) of rivers and enhanced 168 hectares (ha) of stillwater fisheries. See more at the Fisheries annual report 2021 to 2022

About the Angling Trust and Get Fishing
The Angling Trust is the national representative and governing body for angling in England. More info: www.anglingtrust.net Get Fishing is the Angling Trust’s campaign to get more people fishing more often. It’s funded by the Environment Agency from fishing licence income and Sport England to encourage regular participation and diversity in sport. www.anglingtrust.net/getfishing 

About the Environment Agency
The Environment Agency funds the Angling Trust to provide more opportunities for people to go fishing and encourage sales of fishing rod licences. Money from fishing licence sales is spent on improving fisheries habitat and angling infrastructure projects.

About Sport England
Sport England recognise the Angling Trust as the national governing body in England. It funds the work we do to promote active lifestyles and to maintain a regular participation habit through the sport of angling and in partnership with other organisations to deliver the National Angling Strategy.

Angling Direct is the Exclusive Retail Sponsor of the Angling Trust’s ‘Get Fishing’ campaign to get more people fishing, more often. This partnership encourages more people to take up angling for the first time, to get back into the sport and brings the health and wellbeing benefits of fishing to a wider audience, across all age groups. Find a friendly fishing shop near to you at www.anglingdirect.co.uk

Shakespeare is the Exclusive Fishing Tackle Sponsor of the Angling Trust’s ‘Get Fishing’ campaign to get more people fishing, more often. There’s no fish like your first fish. And nobody knows that better than Shakespeare. For over 100 years, Shakespeare has been one of the most recognizable brands in fishing. As more and more newcomers discover the joy of fishing, Shakespeare will be there, providing the gear and inspiration to make sure that the next bite will never be the last. Find out about fishing tackle at www.shakespeare-fishing.co.uk