Summer holiday family fun with free canal fishing events

Taking place at canals across Yorkshire, the UK’s biggest programme of angling events offers people of all ages the chance to try fishing for the first time – or pick it up again – with expert guidance in a safe and welcoming setting.

In Yorkshire, families can take part in events throughout August, including at Dewsbury, Wakefield and Knottingley.

Full details of events can be found on the Canal & River Trust website.

Let’s Fish! is a national programme supported by local angling clubs and made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. With all bait and equipment provided, participants aged six and over receive one-to-one coaching from qualified, licensed angling instructors.

John Ellis, head of fisheries & angling at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Fishing is a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature, and our Let’s Fish! events are the perfect introduction. They’re friendly, inclusive and ideal for children and adults alike – whether you’ve never picked up a rod before or haven’t fished in years.

“We’ve got plenty of sessions running throughout the summer in Yorkshire, giving families a great excuse to get out by the canal, learn a new skill and maybe even catch their first fish!”

With events spread across the Canal & River Trust’s 2,000-mile canal network in England and Wales, Let’s Fish! plays an important role in encouraging more people to discover the wellbeing benefits of spending time by the water, helping them feel healthier and happier, while learning about local wildlife and heritage.

Canal & River Trust encourages all Let's Fish participants to experience fishing alongside others of similar age groups at club or academy events. After that, many decide to take part in a local Daiwa Regional Celebration, taking place throughout the summer. Sponsored by fishing product specialist Daiwa, they are a chance to try out new skills, supported by licensed Let’s Fish! coaches. These culminate in two flagship events in the autumn: the National Celebration of Young People and Fishing, sponsored by Guru with support from Angling Direct, and the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration.

For details of this year’s current event programme, visit:https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com To manage numbers on site, participants are required to book their place in advance. Let’s Fish! events range from free to £5 per session, with the National Celebration priced at £7.50.

The National Celebration sponsored by Guru will take place on 13 and 14 September.

The Daiwa Global Communities Celebration will take place on 18 October.

To find out more about People’s Postcode Lottery please visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk.