11/05/2005 - The Environment
Agency and National Federation of Anglers
are calling on novice anglers to come and
learn or improve on their fishing skills.
This summer’s exciting free angling events
in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will kick-start
next week in Winchester.
The event, open to anglers of any ability
and age, will take place on Saturday 14 May
2005 at the Sparsholt College Open Day, near
Winchester, Hampshire. Environment Agency
and National Federation of Anglers (NFA) coaches
will be on hand at the waterside to teach
novice anglers about different angling methods,
tackle and bait and the rod licensing system.
They will also learn about the importance
of fish care and welfare.
Fishing lessons are free and can be booked
on arrival. Lessons start at 10am and finish
at 4pm with places allocated on a first come-first
served basis. Bait, fishing tackle and a rod
licence for the day will all be supplied.
Anyone of any age and ability is welcome but
children under the age of fourteen must be
accompanied by an adult.
Dominic Longley of the Environment Agency’s
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fisheries Team
said:
"Angling can be a difficult pastime
to get to grips with on your own. These events
are an excellent opportunity for us to give
a helping hand to those who have never tried
fishing and want to get started or newcomers
who want advice to improve their skills.
"It’s always a fun day out with plenty
of activities to keep the whole family amused
and Sparsholt College is also a great location
so we are really looking forward to 14 May.
Come along and you will not only learn a variety
of angling techniques but you will also get
important advice on how to help protect the
waterside environment and safeguard the welfare
of fish you catch."
For further information on this and the other
free angling events in Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight call Dominic Longley at the Environment
Agency on 07796 337781 or email dominic.longley@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Other dates this summer are:
Saturday 16 July 2005 Rookley Country Park,
Newport, Isle of Wight
Saturday 23 July 2005 Fort Brockhurst, Gosport
Saturday 13 August 2005 Hampshire Water Festival,
Winchester
Saturday 3 September 2005 Icehouse Pond, Shirley,
Southampton
