The Angling Trades Association (ATA) and the Environment Agency (EA) are encouraging mums and families to give dad the perfect gift this Father’s Day – get him fishing!

The 2013 river coarse fishing season starts on Father’s Day, and Environment Agency annual rod licence holders can take a friend or family member fishing with them for free on 16 June.

Geoff Bateman, Environment Agency Head of Fisheries and Biodiversity, said: “Fishing is a fantastic way to enjoy the open air, our wildlife and our waterways, and it’s great to go fishing with the family. It’s one of the cheapest and most popular sports out there, and makes a great Father’s Day gift.” 

The Father’s Day special promotion is part of the annual TAKE A FRIEND FISHING (TAFF) campaign, organised and run by the Angling Trades Association.

As with previous TAFF initiatives this year, when the selected venue has been chosen, all that is needed is to cut out or print the rod licence voucher, fill in the person’s details, validate it online at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk, read the Terms and Conditions, grab tackle, bait and voucher and go fishing! 

The Take A Friend Fishing team welcome feedback on how people enjoyed the day, together with emailed pictures (including venue name, catch details, captor’s name and daytime telephone number). These should be sent to: info@takeafriendfishing.co.uk

To ‘take your dad fishing for free’ on 16 June 2013, download the voucher from: http://www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/offers/free-rod-licence-voucher/

Rod licences make a fantastic gift for the rest of the fishing season, and they are valid on over 5,000 rivers, lakes and ponds across England. It’s quick and easy to buy a rod licence online or at the Post Office. And kids under 12 can join in the fun for free throughout the year. Details of the various options can be found at:  http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/fishing/31497.aspx