Learn how to fish at Ware Angling Club Open Days – a brilliant turnout at this Get Fishing have a go at angling event for beginners

On 7th June, Ware Angling Club in Hertfordshire held their open day for both members and non-members on Pretty Lake, Stanstead Abbotts. It turned out to be a brilliant day all round and is a great example of how Get Fishing events run in partnership with angling clubs, fisheries and coaches introuduce thousands of newcomers to learn how to go fishing, the tackle to use and new fishing methods so that they can go fishing again confidently. Darren Nixon from the Club tells us how the day went…

Organised by the club committee, the event was part of the Angling Trust’s “Get Fishing” initiative, which is all about encouraging new people into the sport, especially juniors. If you are interested in getting into fishing, to spend more time with your children, to get outdoors during weekends or the holidays, or simply just to get some “me-time” by the water’s edge, please check out our Get Fishing events like these – we run hundreds each year, and this year our Spring into Fishing and Summer of Fishing event programmes are set to be bigger and better than ever, with thousands of people coming along to have a go at fishing events, and learn how to fish during the progressive Get Fishing Awards – most events are free or very low cost too!

“We had four qualified Angling Trust coaches giving free tuition to children and adults throughout the day. Many of the newcomers were picking up a rod for the first time, and it was great to see so many new faces enjoying time on the bank.

“Last year, the club secured funding from the Environment Agency’s Get Fishing Fund to purchase a full set of junior coaching equipment, and events like this help us make the most of it by offering organised, structured, fun coaching sessions in a safe and supportive environment. Our Club Safeguarding Officer was present throughout the day to make sure everything ran smoothly and safely.

“Around the lake, members of the Club were set up with their own fishing tackle and giving demonstrations on different angling styles while chatting to visitors. We also ran two raffles, one for the kids with prizes kindly donated by Johnson Ross Tackle in Hoddesdon, and one for the adults with prizes from The Pellet Guy. There was also a second-hand tackle sale run by the club to raise extra funds, a catering van on site serving food, and we supplied drinks for everyone.

“We were really pleased to be joined by the Mayor of Ware, Graeme Hill, who came along to show his support. He passed on his best wishes to the club and thanked us for putting on such a positive event for the local community.

“Overall, it was a great day and a brilliant example of what we’re trying to do, create opportunities for more people, especially youngsters, to enjoy fishing and get involved in the sport. Huge thanks to everyone who helped out, donated, came along or supported the day in any way.“

Darren Nixon

Honorary General Secretary
Ware Angling Club

The Angling Trust are helping to organise more Get Fishing Events like this in your area too, and in fact all over the country!

Events are added to our website and social media all the time and at the moment, during our popular Spring into Fishing programme, every single day! So please check our Get Fishing events diary for new events near to you.

Our Get Fishing campaign is funded by

Our Regional Angling Development Officers and the Get Fishing campaign to get more people fishing more often are funded by the Environment Agency from fishing licence income as part of the National Angling Strategic Services contract with the Angling Trust, and Sport England. Children under 13 do not need a licence, and licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free but you still need to register and receive a licence before you go fishing. You can get a licence for the full year, for 8 days (ideal for holidays!) or just a day’s fishing.

NOTE: Although young children who are under 13 year old do not need a licence to fish, the person supervising them needs to have the proper fishing licence before they take hold of the fishing rod or help the child fish with it.

Get Fishing is Proudly Supported by

The Angling Trust’s ‘Get Fishing’ campaign is proudly supported by
Shakespeare, Exclusive Tackle Partner and Angling Direct, Exclusive Retail Partner
as we all work towards getting more people fishing, more often.

If there’s something that you cannot find here to help you start fishing or return to angling, please contact your local Regional Angling Development Officer – you can find the nearest one to where you want to go fishing here.