Reel Education: Whitehaven Academy pupils take to the sea

Reel Education Manager for the North, Chris Holden, was contacted by David McCabe from The Whitehaven Academy. David wanted to give some of his pupils the opportunity to try sea fishing – and after in-school discussion, it was decided that two groups would head out to fish off Whitehaven pier.

The fishing trip was a resounding success: every pupil caught fish – among them whiting, dabs, dogfish, pollack, and even some beautiful sea bass weighing over 5 lbs. The excitement was palpable, and the youngsters loved every minute. Many have already said they want to go again – next time to try coarse fishing in the spring.

The event was supported by Sea Angling Engagement Officer Peter Morgan and coached by experienced Level 2 coaches Carole, David, and Ian Sanderson, whose expertise ensured the day was both fun and safe.

How your school/organisation could benefit

If you run a school, youth group, club or community organisation, this kind of initiative could:

Give children and young people an alternative, screen-free outdoor activity – helping build confidence, social skills, and a connection to nature.

Offer a low-cost, low-barrier entry point to a lifelong outdoor activity. With support from the Angling Trust, you may be able to access coaching, equipment, and guidance.

Provide a way to support wellbeing – helping children who may struggle with stress, anxiety, concentration, or low self-esteem.

Help build community – through group trips, shared successes, and a sense of belonging around a shared activity.

If you’re interested, you can contact your local Angling Trust “Reel Education” manager to explore a tailored session by clicking here, just as The Whitehaven Academy did – and help more young people discover the joys and benefits of fishing.

About Get Fishing

If you would like to get into fishing at an event near you, click here and come along to one of the beginner events listed on this website – everyone is welcome and even if you have never picked up a fishing rod before, or haven’t been fishing since you were younger, we’ll make you welcome and help you discover the wonderful world of angling, in an all-inclusive, friendly and low-presuure environment. Our Get Fishing days are a great introduction to angling because you can simply turn up and fish and don’t need to bring any of your own fishing tackle or bait – it will all be provided to use on the day, by the event organiser.

The Get Fishing campaign, run by the Angling Trust and funded by the Environment Agency and Sport England, aims to make fishing accessible to everyone. Each year, hundreds of beginner-friendly sessions take place across England – covering coarse, fly and sea fishing – offering free or low-cost tuition and all the equipment needed to get started. The campaign also supports a Get Fishing Awards pathway, guiding new anglers from their first cast to fishing independently, while the Get Fishing for Wellbeing initiative promotes the mental health and social benefits of time spent by the water.

Participants automatically join the Get Fishing Club, gaining access to exclusive resources, newsletters, and a 25% discount on beginner tackle from Angling Direct, the campaign’s exclusive retail partner.

Find an event near you or contact your Regional Angling Development Officer to discover your local options for angling.

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.