Women and minority ethnic groups in the Rotherham area are being encouraged to try their hand at fly fishing with help from the Environment Agency on Saturday 1st July and Sunday 2nd July.
Angling coaches will be on hand at Thrybergh Country Park, Rotherham to promote the benefits of the country’s most popular sport.
The event on the Saturday is an opportunity for minority ethnic groups to master the basics of fly fishing, with the event on Sunday dedicated to women.
Fishing at Thrybergh Country Park takes places at the reservoir where there is an opportunity to catch rainbow trout and brown trout. Owned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Thrybergh Country Park has provided trout fishing for more than 100 years.
Pete Turner, fisheries officer at the Environment Agency said: “Taster days are a great opportunity for everyone to get an introduction to fishing. There are many social benefits to angling and we aim to help more people from all backgrounds to enjoy the simple pleasures of going fishing, and at the same time help them appreciate and protect their environment.”
There are a number of angling participation events coming up in the area for all people to take part in.
Those interested in booking a place on either of the free events at Thrybergh Country Park should contact Frances Nicholson on 0113 213 4848. The events run from 10am to 3pm.
The sessions are part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing commitment to attract an extra 200,000 people to fishing in the next 10 years.
Research has shown that women express high levels of interest in angling but only make up about 5% of people buying rod licences, compared to the USA where 26% of anglers are women. Yet, while interest is there, few women or people from black and minority ethnic communities are taking up the sport.
The Environment Agency’s Angling Participation strategy aims to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take up the sport, and promote the health and social benefits to be gained.
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