Derby Junior Angling Project on a mission to get more people fishing

The Derby Junior Angling Project has rounded off another prolific year in its mission to get more young people fishing across Derbyshire. Supported by the Earl of Harrington’s Angling Club, Derby Railway Angling Club and Pride of Derby AC, the project delivers a full calendar of events and activities throughout the year – from summer sessions to autumn canal trips.

The latest session saw a small group of youngsters head to the Trent and Mersey Canal, where coaches and volunteers offered extra hints and tips to help keep the string of catches coming as we head into winter. The outing quickly proved worthwhile, with everyone catching a few fish – and a “greedy” jack pike even making an appearance!

Thanks to the hard work of all the volunteers involved, junior membership across the three clubs has risen significantly this year.

What the success of the Derby project shows

The increase in junior membership across the three clubs suggests there is demand among young people for outdoor, social and skill-based activities.

By providing structured, coached sessions – often with all tackle, bait, permit and instruction provided – the project lowers barriers to entry. This mirrors the inclusive, low-cost/no-cost ethos of Get Fishing events.

The mix of fun, challenge (catching fish, maybe even pike!), camaraderie, and contact with nature offers an appealing alternative to indoor or screen-based leisure – especially as winter closes in.

Above all, the project shows angling remains a powerful way to bring young people together, give them new skills, and promote mental and physical wellbeing in a safe, welcoming environment.

Events like these are added to our website daily and social media all the time so, please check our Get Fishing events diary for new events near to you by clicking this link.

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.