Brothers discover how to get into fishing (it’s easier than you think!)

News from Darren Birch, Angling Trust Regional Angling Development Officer for North West England

I received this brilliant write-up from Becci Ecuyer about two young anglers who had their first go at fishing this summer. The brothers went from not knowing anything about angling, to pretty soon competing in fishing matches – and winning prizes – at their local fishing club.

Over to Becci!

Meet brothers Finley (14) and Oliver (10) who decided they wanted to give fishing a go after seeing people fishing near where they live.

This might have proved difficult, not only do they come from a completely non-fishing family, but Dad (Stephen) has a self-confessed “Ichthyophobia” – a fear of fish! They admitted they really “didn’t have a clue” how to start fishing. However, Dad decided to simply ask the anglers about where to go, and what to use to get into fishing.

Stephen and the boys soon had enough info on local fishing tackle shops, places to fish, fishing clubs and angling coaches near to where they live.

Their next step was going to a free Get Fishing event run by Withnell Angling Club – one of hundreds of fishing clubs around the country that works with the Angling Trust to organise fun, safe and friendly beginner fishing events.

Finley and Oliver got to have a go at fishing using basic fishing tackle and bait – this was all completely free to use on the day too! The boys booked onto a few more Get Fishing events and with help from Withnell Angling Club’s licensed angling coaches, they were able to gain experience with a range of tackle and techniques – again, all completely free of charge!

Pretty soon the boys had enough confidence to identify, catch and return different species of fish, had joined Withnell Angling Club and had even started to compete in the clubs Junior Match (competitions)!

Success was to come in their debut season, where – pitted against teams of children and adults – the brothers took home the prestigious ‘Family Trophy’, Oliver, came first in the Hare & Hound match and Finley came 3rd in a junior match run by Adlington Angling Centre. Amazing!

Follow Finley and Oliver’s progress on Insta at learning_to_fish_78

Becci

6 BEST WAYS TO GET INTO FISHING

Don’t know how to get into fishing?
Here’s what to do:

1. Find a Get Fishing event

2. Ask in your local fishing shop

3. Find a fishing club, coach or fishery near to you

4. Ask your Regional Angling Development Officer – for friendly help on where to start fishing

5. Follow @GetIntoFishing socials for top-tips on where, how and what to use to get into fishing

6. Subscribe to regular Get Fishing newsletters – we’ll email you beginner fishing info

Darren

Darren Birch
Regional Angling Development Officer (North West)
07791 164921
[email protected]

Angling Trust is the National Governing Body for fishing and Get Fishing events are funded by the Environment Agency using money from the fishing licence that all anglers need to go fishing in rivers, lakes and canals in England. Get a fishing licence before you go fishing on the Environment Agency website.

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.

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.