Free fishing sessions are back for families in Sheffield

Waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust is offering free fishing taster sessions in Sheffield this summer. Let’s Fish! is for everyone – whether you’re brushing up on old skills or having a go at fishing for the first time.

Made possible with the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Canal & River Trust is hosting around 350 Let’s Fish! events across the country this year, including six in Sheffield. The sessions are family friendly and open to everyone aged six and over.

A professional angling coach will go through the basics of fishing, offer support and share their expertise on the huge variety of fish found in canals and rivers. All tackle and bait, as well as a rod license and fishing permit, is provided for free on the day.

Free Let’s Fish! sessions will take place at Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, The Roundabout Tinsley Park Road, Sheffield, S9 5DQ on Wednesday, June 2, 09:30-16:15; Wednesday, August 4, 09:30-16:15; Wednesday, August 11, 09:30-16:15; Wednesday, August 18, 09:30-16:15; Wednesday, August 25, 09:30-16:15; and Wednesday, October 27, 09:30-16:15.

John Ellis national fisheries & angling manager for the Canal & River Trust said: “Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and with the support of the Angling Trust, our charity is delighted to be hosting 350 more Let’s Fish! events this year, giving thousands of people the chance to try fishing for free. Any young person who wishes to, can also choose to represent Sheffield at our national celebration of young people and fishing in September.

“Our canals and rivers offer plenty of peaceful places to get away from it all. With research showing that spending time by the water makes people healthier and happier, these free sessions are a great way to unwind, enjoy quality family time and make new memories.”

He added: “A famously solitary sport, fishing lends itself to ‘natural social distancing’ and we want families to feel reassured by the Covid-19 safety measures at these events, these include - providing hand sanitiser, adapting our coaching style, reducing numbers onsite and introducing a track and trace system.”

Places must be booked in advance to comply with Covid-19 safety measures.

Canal & River Trust’s waterways are home to millions of fish including around 40 different species. The charity is the single largest owner of coarse fishing rights in England and Wales with over 2,000 miles of waterways and over 70 feeder reservoirs. It is estimated that it would cost £40 million to replace all the Trust’s fish stock.

To find a Free Let’s Fish! event, or for more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish