The Angling Trades Association’s Take A Friend Fishing initiative has once again helped encourage hundreds of new anglers out onto the banks this summer.
More than 450 people registered for the scheme – which sees the Environment Agency offer free one-day rod licences so licensed anglers can take a pal with them, often introducing them to the sport for the first time.
This means TAFF generated more than 900 fishing days this summer – and over 1,000 throughout the year to date – boosting sales of tackle, bait and fishery day tickets.
The summer scheme, which ran alongside National Fishing Month 2025, was launched at the end of July at The Game Fair and continued until August 31st, giving everyone plenty of time to grab a free one-day licence for their mate.
Several key players within the industry back the TAFF initiative, including Angling Direct, Daiwa, Korda, Reuben Heaton, Shakespeare and Shimano while organisations lending their support include the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, Angling Cymru and the Angling Trust.
ATA chairman Andrew Race said: “Take a Friend Fishing is making a difference to the long-term development of angling recruitment. It makes angling accessible and enjoyable.”
Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager, added: “Fishing with family members or friends is a fantastic way to spend quality time together whilst also enjoying all that nature has to offer.
“Take a Friend Fishing is a brilliant campaign that allows anglers of all levels the ability to improve their skills or simply give fishing a try – and I’m proud to again be supporting this initiative that makes this great hobby more accessible for all.”
John W Ellis, National Fisheries and Angling Manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Canal & River Trust is delighted to be working alongside the Angling Trade Association to support the Take a Friend fishing initiative in 2025/6.
“Our trust is responsible for looking after over 2,000 miles of canal fishery and over 70 reservoirs. More than eight million people live within 1,000 metres of one of our fisheries and nearly 50 per cent of the population within five miles of one.”