Less than two weeks to the start of National Fishing Month (NFM), and the indications are that it is set to break all records. Already there are more than 275 events nationwide – listed online at www.nationalfishingmonth.com – so there’s plenty of opportunity for people to have a go at fishing at a venue near to them.

Everyone who participates will also receive a ‘Get Into Fishing’ booklet full of information on how to get started and advice on different types of fishing, along with an opportunity for 4 to 10 years olds to win one of five Nintendo DS Lite game consoles with one game or for 11 – 16 year olds to win one of five Apple IPod Touch’s’ (8GB) through a bespoke Energy Networks Association competition. And the newsagent giant, WH Smith, is organising an angling magazine focus within a number of their stores across the country to coincide with NFM. The in-store promotion starts on July 7th 2011 and will run for two weeks.

There are other competitions aplenty, including a fantastic October half-term family holiday to be won at White Acres, Cornwall. 10 lucky winners will also get the chance to fish on September 12th with Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Dean Macey and win a bundle of tackle from manufacturers such as Daiwa, Fladen, Fox, Hopkins and Holloway, Maver, Leeda, Pure Fishing and Tricast, all of whom have donated tackle and product to National Fishing Month.

Naidre Werner, Chairman of the Angling Trades Association said: ‘July and August really will be focused on angling. There are hundreds of events going on across the country, beginning with a launch event at the Great Northern Fishing Show at Cudmore Fisheries, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire. Qualified coaches supported by the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) will be available over the two days (16th and 17th July) to give as many people as possible their first opportunity to try fishing. 

‘The CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (22nd, 23rd and  24th July) continues its celebration of angling with an enhanced fishing village and coaching for anyone who would like to learn more about coarse, sea or game fishing.  National Fishing Month will have its own teaching area where qualified coaches will be supported by the Angling Development Board (ADB), the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) and Community Angling Regeneration Project (CARP).’

There is still time to register for events 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 and enter your postcode.  The events closest to you will then be listed and you can find out more details from there.