Environment Agency Fisheries Officer Dan Hurford will be leadingfree angling instruction to youngsters from the Lewes area onSaturday September 15 from 9.30am at Cornwall Reservoir.

The day, organised by Lewes Angling Club, the Ouse PreservationSociety and the Sussex Ouse Conservation Society, is intended toencourage up to 25 children who have never tried freshwater fishingto ‘give it a go’. Coaching is free; bait and fishing tackle will besupplied.

Dan will be giving his expert advice on fishing methods, fish careand environment awareness. He will be taking along a variety ofuseful leaflets and small prizes including floats, line and fishingpoles.

Matt Carter, Sussex Area Fisheries team leader said, “We think itis very important to support local community groups and to encourageyoungsters to try fishing. Many anglers share a common interest inthe countryside and actively seek a cleaner and better environmentfor all. “This should be a fun day for all the family, there will belots to keep everyone interested and you can learn about fishing too.There will be a team of experienced supervisors there, all dedicatedto ensuring that the children gain the most that they can from theirfishing lessons.”

Whilst encouraging the young to give fishing a try, the Agency isalso launching a campaign to get those who have enjoyed angling inthe past back out onto the banks. Led by a series of Nationaltelevision advertisements it encourages those who have been ‘MissingFishing’ to get out and enjoy it again.

Regional Fisheries Officer, Tim Harrison added, “The campaign isabout encouraging those of us who have enjoyed Angling but haveturned to something else to come back to a thoroughly pleasantrecreation. For little cost, a one day Rod Licence costs only£2.50 , you could soon be reeling them in!”