Fishing is the biggest participation sport in the UK. It is enjoyed up and down the country by anglers of all ages.
Matthew loves fishing and our youngest loves it too. He has been going with his dad since he was big enough to hold a fishing rod. When he first started fishing, they would go for a couple of hours and now they go away for days at a time.
Why you should go fishing
Fishing is a great hobby to enjoy together. Most anglers take their children from a young age. It’s one of those hobbies that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, or gender and even those with disabilities can go and enjoy the sport. You can pass on your tips and tricks to younger anglers, teach them about the importance of respecting the lake and the wildlife that lives there, and bond over a brew and it gives you a chance to share something even more special – your time, which these days seem to be in short supply especially when we are all working lots of hours and often neglect time to ourselves and with loved ones.
If you go fishing regularly you probably already have all the fishing tackle a newbie to the sport will need. As they get better and more confident you may buy them their own tackle or perhaps opt to buy yourself some new tackle and give them your older equipment. If you are both new to fishing, look at carp fishing tackle for sale to help get you started. Although you may not start fishing for carp right away the tackle need to catch a carp will be sufficient for most other species that are stocked in lakes and ponds around the UK. If you’re unsure what tackle you will need, speak to a specialist who will be happy to help you
You don’t need lots of tackle when starting out, but you will find as my husband has that over the years you will probably change your fishing techniques, and brands of end tackle and will always be continually adding to your collection and always looking for new bits that will improve your catches.
Find the right venue
If you’re taking your child fishing for the first time, find a family friendly venue. Although most lakes and ponds are happy to have families and children visit some prefer that those who can’t fish to keep away so that they don’t cause a disturbance to others or potentially hurt any fish they catch. Also, look out for community days at local lakes and parks where experts teach youngsters to fish. Most of these events are free and are a great way to learn.
Anyone under the age of 13 who goes fishing doesn’t need a licence to fish but those aged between 13 and 16 do need a fishing licence. It is free and they can apply for it online. Anyone over 16 must have a licence to go fishing even if it’s just for a couple of hours. If you go fishing often the best value for money is by buying an annual fishing licence. All the money spent on licences is used by the Environment Agency to improve rivers and lakes all around the UK.
Do you go fishing? Do you have children that love to fish? If so, I’d love to hear about where you go and the fish that you catch in the comments below.