Families in Burton took to the towpath this weekend to enjoy a day of free fishy fun as part of efforts to inspire more people to try angling on the Trent & Mersey Canal running through the town.
The event on Saturday was organised by the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of the nation’s historic waterways, in partnership with Burton Mutual Angling Association.
Around 50 local people headed down to the canal by Hillfield Playing Fields to have a go at one of the nation’s best loved pastimes. The day was a useful opportunity for Burton Mutual to recruit new members and also formed part of the Trust’s work to get more people fishing on the nation’s canals and rivers.
Qualified coaches were on-hand throughout the morning to show people the basics of fishing and share their knowledge with both beginners and more experienced anglers.
In the afternoon a family match took place with youngsters pairing up with an adult to try their hands at catching the largest weight of fish. The winners were Holly Nicholls and her mum with a combined weight of 1lb 12oz. Holly also won the prize for the biggest fish with a perch weighing in at 14oz. Michel Smith & John Harper came second in the pairs match with a combined weight of 14oz. Third place was shared between Hayden Nicholls and his dad Carl and William Harvey and his dad Paul with both pairs catching 10oz.
Becca Dent angling development manager for the Canal & River Trust said; “We had a great day on Saturday and it was lovely to see lots of new faces on the canal, trying something new and, most importantly, having fun.
“Some kids that came along had never held a fishing rod before but they left completely addicted so hopefully we’ll see some of them back on the canal in the future – in fact the local angling club signed up 15 new junior members which is brilliant.
“This is exactly the kind of event we want to run with angling clubs across the county as part of our efforts to get more people fishing and we’d love to hear from other clubs that are keen to work together in this way.
President of Burton Mutual, Dave Clark said; “It was a great day. A lot of keen coaches and helpers put in a lot of time and effort which certainly paid off and we are very grateful to all of them. To me the greatest part was when you saw the faces of the children actually catching a fish and being so proud.
The Trust and Burton Mutual Angling Association would like to thank Stretton Parish Council for the use of their facilities.
Source: Canal & River Trust Fishing News
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