Get hooked on fishing during National Fishing Week

Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 27 will see a number events take place in the Lincolnshire region to celebrate National Fishing Week (NFW).

Whether residents have never picked up a rod, or simply have not fished for many years, organisers of the event and qualified coaches are giving up their time to welcome and teach newcomers to the sport.

The two main aims of NFW are to improve the lifestyle of youngsters and the retired, men and women and able bodied and disabled people by introducing them into the sport of angling and also to increase awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

Councillor Martin Vickers, portfolio holder for environment, said: "This is a great chance for even absolute beginners to come along and enjoy the experience of fishing.  I hope other organisers and local anglers will encourage as many people as possible to join in."

Taster sessions have been planned throughout Lincolnshire by Mark Fenty, Get Hooked on Fishing coordinator for North East Lincolnshire Council, and his team of qualified coaches and volunteers.

Mr Fenty said: "Participants do not need an Environmental Agency License for any of the National Fishing Week events and activities are suitable for all ages and abilities, everyone will be given expert training and advice.

"Pegging fees are generally waived and tackle is often made available to use free of charge. There really is no better time to experience this healthy, stress-busting, outdoor activity."

Mark, and the Get Hooked on Fishing (GHOF) Team, is planning to run seven events at seven different locations throughout Lincolnshire.  Get Hooked on Fishing is funded by the Shoreline Housing Partnership Project.  He added: "I believe that our GHOF event will see us become one of the first regions in the country to offer expert training sessions in all three angling disciplines. National Fishing Week will see our team deliver the very first fly fishing and sea fishing taster sessions."

Due to the number of coaches, safety aspects and the availability of pegging at some of the venues, places are limited and are strictly available by booking in advance. 

Thanks goes out to all of the fishery owners, coaches and volunteers for donating their venues and time to this great regional and national event.

More details, for potential organisers, can be found by visiting www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk. Hopefully raising awareness of National Fishing Week will see new faces become hooked for life on the largest participant sport in the country.

It is strongly recommended that children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Organised groups are welcome.

To book, or make an enquiry, please contact Mark Fenty via email: mark.fenty@nelincs.gov.uk or visit  www.ghof-nelincs.com

If you wish to help at any of the listed events, please ring Mark Fenty direct: 07730 014961. Please do not try to book using this number.

Venues, dates and times:

• Saturday, July 19, Coarse Fishing, Homestead Lake, Immingham, 10am - 3pm.
• Monday, July 21, Fly Fishing, Toft Newton Reservoir, Market Rasen, 10am - 3pm.
• Tuesday, July 22, Coarse Fishing and Fly Casting, Wold View Fisheries, Claxby,, 10am - 3pm.
• Wednesday, July 23, Coarse Fishing, Pasture House Fishery, Barton Upon Humber, 10am - 3pm.
• Thursday, July 24, Coarse Fishing, Oasis Lakes, North Somercotes, 10am - 3pm.
• Friday, July 25, Coarse Fishing, Cleethorpes Country Park, Humberston, 10am - 3pm.
• Saturday, July 26, Sea Fishing, Humberston yacht Club, Time TBA.