News

With only six weeks to its launch, National Fishing Month (NFM) 2014 looks set to become a resounding success.



More than 150 events (running between July 18th and August 31st, 2014) have already been registered on the official NFM website, www.nationalfishingmonth.com, with the number increasing daily. Each entry details when, where and how anyone who wants to learn more about fishing can take part at an event in their local area run by suitably qualified and insured angling coaches.



Tackle manufacturing giants Daiwa, Pure Fishing and Leeda – all members of NFM organisers the Angling Trades Association (ATA) – have stepped up as headline sponsors for the next two years and donated cash, tackle and products. Their contributions are significant and greatly valued because they will help take the national participation initiative onto the next stage of its development.



The annual event, now in its 23rd year, has already generated a considerable national media interest, from publications such as Tesco magazine to local radio stations across the UK. Celebrities have been keen to add their public endorsement, including comedian and TV presenter Jim Davidson: "I started fishing as a young lad and have had hours of pleasure and enjoyment from it. Being by the water is a fantastic way to relax. National Fishing Month is a great way to get people fishing."

The CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace will herald the launch of NFM on July 18th, with lakeside coarse and game coaching sessions organised by members of the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) and the Game Anglers Instructors Association (GAIA). The CLA team has been busy ensuring that the new look ‘fishing village’ area at the Game Fair will be a fabulous attraction for the hundreds of thousands of people who attend over the three-day event. The National Fishing Month coaching area will form a central attraction for anyone interested in having a go at fishing under expert tuition and for children, there is no cost.



Everyone who participates in a NFM event across the country will receive a goody bag containing a ‘Get into Fishing’ booklet full of information on how to get started and advice on different types of fishing, stickers and a fishing log book. Participants will also be presented with certificates of participation as lasting mementos of their introduction to angling.



The log book will be of special interest this year, as by recording their captures throughout the summer holidays, NFM participants can enter their books into a competition to win a day’s fishing with well-known angler, columnist and presenter Des Taylor. This unique prize will enable the lucky winners to become part of Des’ fishing world for a day, learning about watercraft, stalking fish and the wonderful environment around the water.



Des commented: "I am very pleased to help a cause as important as NFM, which is an ideal means of introducing new blood into our sport and helping newcomers understand why angling is the sport of choice for millions of people.

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Angling can definitely make a difference to anyone who is introduced to the sport, and taking part in a National Fishing Month event could be the first step to a new hobby. I’m looking forward to taking future anglers out on the river with me for a day of fishing and fun."



To find a NFM event near to you, visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com