The Angling Trades Association’s initiative to grow our sport and our industry – Take A Friend Fishing – is now open for registrations for this summer.
Those who have previously registered to take a pal and go fishing have been contacted once more with details of this summer’s scheme, which kicks off on Saturday, July 26th, during this year’s Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (running July 25th to 27th).
The scheme, which will take place alongside National Fishing Month 2025, will be running until August 31st, giving everyone plenty of time to grab a free one-day licence for their mate.
ATA chairman Andrew Race said: “I am looking forward to the 2025 TAFF programme and the launch at The Game Fair on July 26th. The Ragley Hall venue is the perfect opportunity to come and see what angling is all about and to have a go for yourself and get advice on tactics and tackle.
“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.
“We will be encouraging members of the 275 angling clubs who rent water from us to help their club grow membership by taking a friend fishing on our waters or participating via our Let’s Fish programme.”
