Martin has always been a keen supporter of angling causes and has recently been instrumental in assisting and advising the Trust in a number of its campaigns.

The recently formed Angling Trust is now running this festival of fishing and the week offers unique opportunities for the protection and promotion of angling.

The aim of the week is to:

• Increase the number of people getting involved in the sport.
• Inform the general public about the economic, social and environmental benefits of angling.
• Influence decisions about access, environmental policy and wildlife management so that they take the importance of angling into account.
  
• Improve diversity amongst anglers to counter any perception that it is exclusively a male, white, able-bodied only pursuit.

National Fishing Week is a celebration of the sport of angling. There are events happening all over the country – as well as more than 30 events organised by the Trust itself, there are hundreds of local open days being organised offering non-anglers the opportunity to be taught how to fish, FREE OF CHARGE, by a qualified licensed coach and within a controlled environment.

National Fishing Week runs from 25th July to 2nd August and the theme is "Fishing for Everyone".

All events are run for a wide variety of anglers and disciplines; sea, coarse and game, young and old, novices, women and anyone else who wants to have a go at the most popular participation sport in the UK.

Highlights include: coarse, sea and game coaching sessions at the upcoming CLA Game Fair (Belvoir Castle - July 24th and 26th); sea angling open days, teaching everything from beach casting to boat craft; game fishing with fly and bait; fly casting coaching; match fishing lessons and even sessions teaching youngsters how to stalk carp.

There are taster days, novice days and a host of other angling days for special groups, including young people with additional needs, children from disadvantaged backgrounds and even for kids in contact with local Police.

All the events will help bring angling to a wider audience and introduce thousands of people to the delights of fishing.

More information in our events section >>