09/06/2005 - The Environment
Agency in Devon has teamed up with South West
Lakes Trust to offer free fly fishing coaching
sessions for ladies at Kennick Reservoir,
near Christow.
The women-only open day on Saturday June 18,
is part of the ongoing Angling Participation
Project, which has already introduced many
newcomers to the sport. Last year around 120
anglers attended events at Kennick reservoir
in the picturesque Teign Valley, many of these
have taken up fishing as a result.
Fishing is a non-competitive sport but lady
anglers can sometimes feel intimidated by
the jargon used and technical nature of casting.
The event will aim to show women that they
are just as capable as male anglers and that
fishing is a relaxing, healthy pastime for
all ages and abilities.
Indeed, the largest ever British rod-caught
salmon (64lbs) was hooked and landed by a
woman, Miss Georgina Ballantine, on Scotland’s
River Tay in 1922.
Free expert tuition will be available from
trained angling coaches – both male and female.
There will also be advice on how to set up
fishing tackle and fly tying displays plus
an opportunity catch a fish. All equipment
will be provided and participants covered
by a temporary Environment Agency rod licence.
For those anglers with disabilities who may
not be able to fish from the bank, South West
Lakes Trust have a wheelyboat available. Anyone
using this facility will be accompanied by
a trained angling coach.
