Anglers have the chance to reel in £1000 or a day of fishing with celebrity fisherman Paul Young.
Macmillan Cancer Support hopes to raise more than £40,000 during its Big Fish contest which will take place at fisheries across Scotland and Northern Ireland on June 13, 2009.
The event is being backed by Paul Young, who presents Hooked on Fishing for Discovery Real Time.
The angler, who also played Shug in the BBC’s Still Game, said: "The Big Fish is a great event. It gives people like me who love fishing a chance to raise money for a fantastic cause while doing something we love – and would most likely be doing anyway!
"Every penny raised from the Big Fish will help Macmillan support people affected by cancer, so I’d urge you to get fishing this June and raise money to fund Macmillan’s vital services across Scotland.
"Everyone who takes part will have a great time, whether they are seasoned anglers or just fancy trying something new to raise money for a good cause. And there’s always the chance you might win a prize!"
The Big Fish is taking place at 10 fisheries across Scotland and three fisheries in Northern Ireland.
Four fish at each venue will be tagged, with three worth a different cash sum totalling £1000 and one booby prize.
There will also be prizes for the heaviest bag of fish and the heaviest fish. The angler who brings along the most sponsorship money on the day of the event will win the prize of a day of fishing with Paul Young.
Director of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Elspeth Atkinson, said: "Everyone who takes part in the Big Fish will help us raise money to make sure Macmillan can continue to offer practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer. One in three people will get cancer in their lifetime and Macmillan’s services are needed now more than ever.
"The Big Fish is always a really popular event with anglers who seem to love being able to raise money for such a good cause while enjoying a relaxing day fishing. And of course the prizes we offer are always an extra incentive!"
Anyone wishing to take part must raise at least £50 in sponsorship. For more information visit www.macmillan.org.uk/thebigfish, email fishing@macmillan.org.uk or call 0800 064 9999.
