Wannabe anglers are being encouraged to sign up for a free fly-fishing taster sessions this month in Ponteland and Seaham.

 

As part of its commitment to introducing new anglers to the sport, the Environment Agency has organised two taster days in July so that people can try their hand at fly fishing.

 

Phil Rippon, fisheries technical specialist with the Environment Agency said: “Angling is a sport that is truly open to anyone, no matter what your age or ability.

 

“We’ve organised these days so people who’ve not fished before can get a taster of what it is like and we will hopefully encourage more people to pick up a rod regularly.

 

“We’re lucky to have some of the best river fishing for salmon and trout and some excellent stillwater fisheries in this area so people don’t have to travel far for quality fishing in a great environment.”

 

The government has recognised the social benefits of fishing and the Environment Agency has set national targets to encourage people into the sport of fishing.

 

The taster sessions will take place at Sharperley Springs, Seaham on Saturday 29 July and Higham Lake, Ponteland on Sunday 30 July.

 

There will be two sessions on each day, from 10am until 12 noon and 1pm until 3pm. Locals will get the opportunity to learn how to cast a fly line and have the chance to catch a rainbow trout.

 

To sign up for a free place call the Environment Agency’s external relations team on 0191 2034138.

 

The Environment Agency is the leading organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.  It is responsible for making sure that air, land and water are looked after by today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.