Response from organisers, coaches and businesses eager to support the new National Fishing Month initiative has been fantastic so far.

To date, over 60 events have been registered online.  They include ladies’ days, under-16 teach ins, dads’ and lads’ days and disabled angler opportunities – all spread across the three fishing disciplines.

The trade support has been outstanding.  Companies such as Maver, Shimano, Daiwa, Tri Cast, Masterline, Leeda, Hopkins and Holloway and Dynamite Baits have between them pledged over £20,000 worth of ‘giveaways’ to go into the National Fishing Month goody bags, alongside a fabulous new ‘Get Into Fishing’ pocket book that has been created by the team.  Each new angler will also be given a certificate as a memento of the day.

Veal’s Mail Order and Stapeley Angling Centre have donated tackle vouchers to go towards a National Prize Draw for all coaches and organisers as a ‘thank you’ for the time, effort and passion they put into organising the events. 

National Fishing Month will be launched at the Go Fishing Show at Cudmore Fisheries, Staffordshire as part of Bauer’s ‘Get Britain Fishing’ campaign.  Coaches will be available over the two days (17th and 18th July) to give as many people as possible the opportunity to try fishing.  There will also be a variety of interactive fishing games to play.  The Angling Times will be listing the National Fishing Month events each week, so there will be no excuse to miss out.

The Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Alcester, Worcestershire (23rd, 24th, 25th 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, along with interactive games for all to enjoy.

National Fishing Month Co Coordinator, Naidre Werner, said: ‘This year, things are really coming together.  Support from the trade and the press has been excellent and response from the organisers and coaches has been outstanding. You can even follow NFM on Twitter and Facebook! I really believe that the whole initiative will be successful and something of which we can be very proud.’

National Fishing Month will begin on the 17th July 2010 and conclude on the 15th August 2010. The emphasis is to encourage every family member to have a go at fishing, irrespective of their age, cultural or social background and level of ability.

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.

It’s not too late to get involved and organise an event of your own or offer support by providing ‘goodies’ or tackle vouchers. Just visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com, email info@nationalfishingmonth.com or call 0845 459 9956 for help and advice.