National Fishing Month 2012 (NFM) takes place between 20th July and the 27th August, and with over 100 events already listed online at the new website www.nationalfishingmonth.com , organisers are hoping that this year will be bigger and better than ever.

Coverage and awareness of National Fishing Month will be stepped up this year as national destination retailer, Go Outdoors, has agreed to sponsor the initiative by organising store events across the country, promoting local outdoor events and giving away hundreds of gift vouchers as prizes.

Peter Aske, buyer from Go Outdoors said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be associated with National Fishing Month 2012.  The initiative does a great job in highlighting the sport of angling, and Go Outdoors will be making sure that we spread the word and help promote fishing to a wider audience wherever we can.’

National Fishing Month will be launched this year with coarse and game coaching sessions at the CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle. Coaches from the Professional Anglers Association (PAA), the Angling Trust and Community Angling Regeneration Project (CARP) will be on hand to encourage and advise Game Fair visitors to have a go at fishing.

Decathlete medallist Dean Macey is as enthusiastic as ever with his support and endorsement for NFM despite his busy schedule as an Olympics compere.   Dean commented: “Throughout my athletics career, fishing helped me mentally unwind and I’m sure without it, I would have burnt myself out. That’s why I support National Fishing Month and urge everyone to get involved and take part.”

Naidre Werner, Angling Trades Association Chair and NFM Project Manager, added: “In 2011, NFM promoted over 300 events on the website and coached 15,000 people throughout the period.  This will be a tough act to beat but with the support of Go Outdoors, Dean Macey, the coaches and the committed organisers, the NFM team are looking forward to a great 2012.”

It’s not too late to organise an event for National Fishing Month 2012.  Just visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com and register your event online.