UK’s Take A Friend Fishing returns with TWO events

Take a Friend Fishing is back for spring and summer 2022 in the UK, giving even more people the chance to get out fishing with a friend or relative.
Building on the continued success of the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, Take a Friend Fishing will cover both The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday and the summer holidays.

To take advantage of the summer holidays and National Fishing month, between Monday 1st August to Tuesday 30th August (inclusive), existing fishing licence holders can also register for a free one-day licence during this time.

Holidays provide a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors, unwind and connect with the environment. Taking a friend or family member for a fishing trip is an ideal way to spend time outdoors, escape your screens and enjoy some time next to the water.

Getting outside in the countryside is a great way to be together with family and friends and angling is the perfect fit for staying active outdoors, especially if you are staying England or Wales this summer.

Being physically and mentally active helps to maintain our health and mental wellbeing, a fishing trip with a mate or family member means you can stay active, and fish safely following guidelines on the TAFF site at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/#faqs  .

There are many fisheries near to where you live that are perfect to visit for a catch-up with a friend during a quick Take a Friend Fishing trip together. Find out about where you can fish at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/#faqs

Registering for a free one-day fishing licence couldn’t be easier. Simply visit  www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/register-free-friend-fishing-licence/ select the date of your fishing trip, enter some basic info about you and your friend, and away you go!

Take a Friend Fishing is an Angling Trades Association initiative run in partnership with the Angling Trust, Canal & River Trust and Environment Agency. It’s designed to open up the world of angling to both angling and non-angling communities and give more people the chance to get into fishing.

Relaunched in 2020, more than 6,000 people took part in Take a Friend Fishing in 2021 and this year’s campaign aims to get even more people back out by the waterside. The Take a Friend Fishing initiative will show people it's still just as easy to get into angling, especially with a friend to show you how, with a free fishing licence from the Environment Agency usually worth £6 to £12.

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager, said: "This year's Take a Friend Fishing campaign will be bigger than ever before, with our free one-day fishing licence offer available during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend and the whole of August.

"The campaign is a great opportunity for those who haven't fished in a while to link up with a friend and go fishing again, and we also hope it will encourage new anglers to take up this wonderful sport. For our licensed anglers - what could be better than passing on your passion to someone else?"

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust, said “Take a Friend Fishing is bigger and better than ever this year and now covers The Queen's Platinum Jubilee as well as the whole of August! The new Take a Friend Fishing offer from May 28th to June 5th is the perfect opportunity for anglers to use their extra bit of bank holiday down-time and give a friend the experience of fishing our wonderful, relaxing springtime fisheries.

Andrew Race, Chairman of the Angling Trades Association (ATA), added "It is fantastic to see Take a Friend Fishing back for summer 2022 with a new look and even bigger programme. Take a Friend Fishing makes good sound sense both mentally, physically and for the long-term development of angling recruitment.

“Both Jubilee and summer holiday campaigns vastly increase the opportunities for anyone wanting to give angling a go. I would ask both Angling Trades Association members and the wider angling trade to get behind this nationwide initiative and invest your time in Take a Friend Fishing.

“We know the health benefits, and relaxation angling brings and with recent world events, mental health is paramount. Now is a great time for anglers to help someone to relax and talk and Take a Friend Fishing is an idea solution."

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