Family activities have always been important but never more so than now. Covid has had a significant impact on our lives and made us realise the importance of those around us. Suddenly, not being able to do the things we loved with the people we loved hit us hard. As they say, it’s not until something is taken away from you that you realise the significance of it. Those things are so precious.
Fishing always has and always will be a fantastic sport for the whole family to enjoy. It is time to be together, participate in a shared interest, and most importantly, it gets everyone outdoors enjoying the countryside. Why would that not appeal to anyone?
The Tackle Shop Ely first opened its doors in May 2021 to share that passion for fishing with the broader community. Ken first started fishing shortly after he learnt to walk, and his memories have always been fond ones…both back then and now. The key to building that passion is ensuring everyone is having fun. It’s all about enjoyment. If we all look at the things we love, it’s because they make us smile, and, for some of us, there was something that ignited that passion either 50 years ago or just last week. When it comes to fishing, every single one of us will remember the first time we hooked a fish. It was at that exact moment that we were hooked ourselves. We need to get other people feeling that same excitement…young, old, male, female…who cares!
Ken and the other members of The Tackle Shop Ely family are huge supporters of the Angling Trust’s “Get Fishing” campaign as they believe in everything that the Trust is trying to achieve.
“Get Fishing is the Angling Trust’s campaign to get more people fishing more often. Each year we run hundreds of events for all ages and abilities. Get Fishing angling events are for anyone who wants to get into fishing, get back into angling or find out where to go fishing, who to go fishing with, what to use to start fishing and how to go fishing for the first time.”
Angling Trust
Over the following year and beyond, Ken is on a mission to collaborate with the Angling Trust to hold regular fishing taster days for the local community and those outside of the area who want to get involved. The FREE events will give families and individuals alike the chance to try out the sport and get a feel for what it’s all about. It is an opportunity to ignite that passion in people who have either never tried it or want to return to the sport after many years out of the loop. It is vital for Ken and his team that these FREE taster days are available to anyone who wants to give it a go. Young, old, male, female, it doesn’t matter. Fishing is for everyone.
Fishing usually requires a licence, but these events will include a group licence for everyone involved, making it easy and totally hassle-free. All you need to do is turn up full of enthusiasm and an open mind about trying something new. These events will be fun and the perfect opportunity to learn more about this fantastic sport.
The Canal River Trust states the following…and we couldn’t agree more:
“No matter what age you are, when you join an angling club, you become part of a community, whether you take part in competitions or just nod a greeting to the angler on the next peg. You can join in as much or as little as you want to, but being around like-minded people, sharing an interest and connecting with new friends is a great way to spend the day. 40% of adults can’t sleep at night due to stress, and just being around water lowers anxiety and induces feelings of calm.”
If fishing is something you would like to learn more about, either as a solo sport or something to share with friends or family, please continue to follow The Tackle Shop Ely’s Facebook page. There you will find updates on future events, such as the fishing taster days mentioned above. Ken is eager to get the whole community involved. It would also be great to see those who haven’t actively participated in the sport for several years reigniting their passion. It’s never too late to jump back into fishing and remind yourself why you once loved it.
Why not get involved…
To find out more about the Angling Trust’s “Get Fishing” campaign, visit their website at Get Fishing - Angling Trust