Free coaching sessions helped newcomers and young anglers catch impressive carp and perch

• The Environment Agency supported the event with funding and free fishing licence waivers.
• Event was managed by Angling and Mental Health Initiative (AMHI CIC)
• Partner organisations included Angling Mentors, Different Angle, Hadlow College and the Angling Trust’s Building Bridges Project working together to provide inclusive, educational angling experiences for all-comers
• All of this Get Fishing Event’s participants learned about fish care, responsible angling, and the joy of connecting with nature at the wonderful at Passies Pond, Lancing.

Each year the Angling Trust South East Region works with hundreds of Events Delivery Partners including coaches, fisheries and volunteers as well as charities, schools and other partners who are all active in promoting the health, wellbeing and educational aspects of angling to a new audience of beginner anglers. One of the many exciting events included in the Get Fishing calendar of events running in the Region was the recent Get Fishing Gathering, held at Passies Pond, Lancing, Sussex.

The Get Fishing Gathering saw over 80 people attend a bespoke event managed by Ben Harragan and the team at the Angling and Mental Health Initiative CIC, with support from the team at Different Angle, The Angling Trust Building Bridges Project, Hadlow College, Angling Mentors and the generous enthusiasm of local angling coaches and volunteers.

Free coaching sessions were provided on the day giving many young and newcomer anglers the chance to catch some amazing big carp and colourful perch.

The striking sight of these beautiful fish was a highlight for many of the participants, and gave coaches the opportunity to explain more about fish and the importance of fish care, especially when netting, handling and unhooking the incredibly healthy and vibrant array of fish that are present at this venue. The Get Fishing Gatherings are a national series of events which exemplify how angling can be a gateway to better mental health, stronger communities, and lifelong outdoor engagement.

A huge thanks too must go to the Environment Agency, for their support with funding and facilitating the event via its provision of a free fishing licence waiver that meant all newcomers participants were able to come and have a go at pole, float and feeder course fishing as well and the opportunity to try fly casting fly tying and participate in land based angling-themed activities and games.

Passies Pond, who provided the use of the fishery for the day, is a hugely forward-thinking Get Fishing partner venue with an amazing, family friendly venue. We recommend anybody interested in getting into fishing make the trip to Passies Pond, where they will be made to feel welcome and can provide information on the best tackle to use, what fish are biting and the best baits and spots to fish. Check out their website and social media.

Ben and the Angling and Mental Health Initiative CIC (AMHI) are incredibly insightful into the health and wellbeing benefits that fishing brings to people who take part in what is such a simple way to spend time outdoors, reconnect with nature and feel the stresses of modern life melt away. As well as the restorative benefits of fishing, Ben and AMHI were able to introduce all the fun and excitement of fishing to the day, ensuring that participants are enthused to come fishing again, a great way to instill a lifelong passion for angling participation!

Likewise, Different Angles and Angling Mentors  are organisations that works with pupils with a range of social and emotional conditions in both the classroom and local fishing locations via the Angling Trust’s ‘Reel Education’ programme are experienced in providing pole and fly-fishing, sessions by  simultaneously supporting volunteer mentors and encouraging young people with complex needs into the world of angling!

The Angling Trust’s Building Bridges Team were also present at the event as representatives of the Environment Agency funded Fisheries Enforcement Support Service the national body for fisheries enforcement in England which helps educate and maintain responsible and legal angling practice amongst people from all backgrounds and cultures in a partnership between the Angling Trust, Environment Agency and rural police teams.

The Get Fishing Gathering at Passies Pond exemplifies how multi-agency partnerships -spanning mental health initiatives, educational programs, and environmental support – can successfully introduce people to angling and foster a lifelong connection to the sport.

Thanks on this occasion too, to Bodle Angling, Burgess Hill (supporting AMHI) for helping out by supply the bait needed by AMHI sessions on the day.

Want to Get Involved? The Angling Trust is hugely committed to welcoming new anglers, promoting fish care, and supporting people as they take their first steps into angling. All of this work is funded by fishing licence income and delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency and Sport England. Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to support community wellbeing, there’s a place for you to explore upcoming Get Fishing events via the Angling Trust or as a volunteer, coach, or partner with initiatives like AMHI, Angling Mentors, and Different Angles.

The Get Fishing campaign is funded by

The Angling Trust’s Get Fishing campaign to get more people fishing more often is 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 Angling Direct, Exclusive Retail Partner
as we 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.