National Fishing Month is believed to have encouraged over 200,000 new anglers into the sport through the events held over the last 19 years.
This year's event, 16th July to 14th August 2011, has already got off to a wonderful start with Dean Macey adding his endorsement to the initiative.
Dean commented: "I have been fishing for as long as I can remember and where ever I go in the world, I will always bump into someone that also loves fishing. It's such a great hobby - you get to spend time outdoors, appreciate Mother Nature, meet some great people and if you're really lucky, witness some marvelous creatures.
Dean continued: "When I was a kid, I found it hard to get my head around school work or any kind of discipline. If it wasn't for fishing and athletics I dread to think where I would be right now. Between them, they gave me something to focus on and keep me off the streets.
"Throughout my athletics career, fishing helped me mentally unwind and I'm sure without it, I would have burnt myself out. Whether it's a day on the rivers, sleeping under the stars on a still water for a few days or jumping on a plane to fuel my passion abroad, I don't mind. I love it all, and for the most part, I think almost everyone would if given the chance. That's why I support National Fishing Month and urge everyone to get involved and take part. Everyone I have ever taken fishing has loved it and you can't keep them off the bank now. Give it a go, you owe it to yourself!"
As in previous years, the focus is to encourage every family member to have a go at fishing from whatever cultural or social background they may be from. The initiative's timing continues to be deliberately planned to incorporate the end of the school terms and more of the school holidays to enable activities to be linked with both schools and families. Again, by extending the timetable, fishery owners, angling coaches and retailers will have a greater span of time to be able to take part and support events in their areas.
National Fishing Month aims to highlight and celebrate angling, bringing the sport to the attention of the general public, generate positive PR in all forms of media and to encourage would-be anglers of all ages and from all backgrounds to try angling and to take it up as an environmentally based recreation. There will be hundreds of events all over the country organised by coaches from the PAA and the ADB, on behalf of the Angling Trust, independent fishery owners, the Environment Agency, fishing tackle retailers and manufacturers who give their time, their fishery pegs and loads of products for free.
Richard Wightman from the Environment Agency added: "We are really pleased to be able to continue our support for NFM in 2011 and beyond. This year offers a fantastic opportunity in the shape of a prolonged and well-timed Easter, May Bank Holiday, plus the additional Royal Wedding break at the end of April. What better time to help more people get into and stay in fishing. Let's all do what we can to make the most out of it."
If you would like to take part and have a go at fishing, take a look at the events that are already listed on the National Fishing Month website www.nationalfishingmonth.com <http://www.nationalfishingmonth.com> and enter your postcode. The events closest to you will then be listed and you can find out more details from there.
