Happy Mother’s Day to all Fishing Mums (and Gran’s!)

48% of teenage girls saying their mum, aunts and female role models encourage them to be active. Fishing is a “quick-hit” activity – you can go fishing for an hour or spend longer if you like. Beginner fishing events are designed to be short taster-sessions, and most are completely free, including a day’s fishing licence – donated by the Environment Agency – so come along and try fishing – our beginner events are all listed here!

Here’s a selection of stories and tips from some of our supporters and Ambassadors about how being a mum has played a part in their fishing lives.

Marina Gibson

Marina Gibson is an Ambassador for Angling Trust and Atlantic Salmon Trust – her parents taught her and her brother how to fish when she was only about five – it was her mother Joanna’s passion for fishing that has led to a life dedicated to angling and one which Marina has used to bring as many people into contact with nature and the outdoor experience as possible.

Marina said:

“I count myself very lucky to experience such magnificent places with her! My whole family loves fishing, but it was my mother who really inspired me, I grew up watching her cast down a salmon pool with finesse and style and I remember her catching fish with ease and proving time and time again that fishing is not like a Yorkie Bar, it’s not just for men!”

“Fishing runs in the family & through my veins. My mum was 8 months pregnant when she cast a line on a Scottish river, hoping she’d connect to an Atlantic salmon one last time before I came along.”
Angling Trust Ambassador Marina Gibson – The Northern Fishing School

Marina Gibson and her mum Jo

Marina continues:

“I first picked up a fly rod when I was 5 years old, and when people ask me if it was my father or grandfather who got me into fishing, my answer is, “no, my mother“, they’re always somewhat surprised, some even shocked.”

Marina’s mum, Jo has helped her to experience different fish and types of fishing all over the world and Marina adds:

“I count myself very lucky to experience such magnificent places with her! My whole family loves fishing, but it was my mother who really inspired me, I grew up watching her cast down a salmon pool with finesse and style and I remember her catching fish with ease and proving time and time again that fishing is not like a Yorkie Bar, it’s not just for men!”

Find Marina and The Northern Fishing school: www.northernfishingschool.com  or on Instagram: www.bit.ly/24huvFi

Zenia Drury-Gregorek

As far as finding time for both fishing and parenting goes, Zenia has managed to squeeze both into her busy life with great success! A great role model for any angling parent, you can catch her on Instagram and Facebook. She also presents the “Angling Heroes” section of Matt Hayes’ recent online TV series and is a brand ambassador for Shakespeare, helping them to develop a colourful and affordable new range of kids’ tackle.

“Being a Mum of two boys meant that I had to take a 6 year break fromfishing as I was not only a full time Mum but had my work duties at Anglers Paradise. I knew it wouldn’t be forever, though, and that I could take them when we were ready. I’m happy to say that now I get to enjoy my Fishing with them both.”
Angling Trust Ambassador – Zenia Drury-Gregorek

#

Zenia enjoying time with her son

Zenia told us:

“I won’t lie, fishing with kids has its challenges, from tantrums to tangles. But it’s so, so worth it and I’m completely passionate about getting more kids fishing. They’re the future of our sport and if every angler took a kid fishing, just imagine the progress we could achieve! Here are a few big lessons I’ve learned. Fishing is really good for us. It gets me and my kids outside in the fresh air and away from digital screens. It’s a mindful sport that’s good for the soul and keeps us out of trouble! Let’s appreciate this and treasure every moment. Enjoy fishing with your kids and take in the beauty of nature and the fact that every trip is different and unique. Tight lines and happy fishing everyone! – Zenia X”

FishingMum

With a big social media following, FishingMum’s adventures on the bank have been an inspiration to parents all over the UK. You can follow her  on Instagram, just look for @FishingMum!

Fishing Mum told us:

“My son Logan was on the bank at just 2 years old. I used to take him to see his Grandad fish at first and just spend an hour or so. This was ideal because although he was fascinated, like any other 2 year old he didn’t have a huge attention span!”
Angling Trust Supporter Fishing Mum

Fishing with Logan

“I think that because me and logan did everything at a slow pace, he really learnt how to fish and care for his catch properly. There are so many other animals and insects that you come across by the lake, which I showed to Logan from a young age. There’s so much nature to take in and talk about. Even things like just taking a picnic and skilfully packing the car add to the overall fun that you have together. The moral of the story is that patience is rewarded. It takes time, but it’s more than worth the effort!”

The 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 in order to 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 the proper fishing licence to take hold of the rod or to help the child fish with it.

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.