Spalding area youngsters learn about fishing with Peterborough and District Angling Association

Fishing might not be everyone’s idea of an exciting past time but a group of dedicated anglers are hoping to share the benefits of the sport with the next generation.

Tony Milano is one of the members of Peterborough and District Angling Association who have been passing on their passion for fishing during taster sessions which have been held for youngsters along the banks of the River Welland, Spalding, during the summer.

Fishing is a well-loved sport which has been enjoyed by more than a million people, according to a report by The Rivers Trust. And the country’s freshwater fisheries provide £1.7billion of economic benefits.

The River Welland at Spalding, which is seeing fluctuating levels in recent months due to the breach in the river bank on the outskirts of Crowland, has been an incredibly popular fishery and attracted world champions to battle their wits against the roach which swim in the area.

Water bailiff Tony, who ran a recent session with Ulves Strokss, feels it is important to share the wonderful pastime of fishing with the next generation.

He said: “It kept me out of trouble. I think it is good for the mind, it is peaceful and relaxing sport and requires concentration and discipline which is always a good thing for children.

“You do observe a lot of wildlife sitting on the bank. It is quite early mornings when the sun is rising and you hear bird song and it is wonderful.

“Grass snakes are in the river which is wonderful to see.

“And it is nice to see otters. There is a belief that we are against otters but they are part of the environment.

“There’s added benefit of a respect for the waterside and the ecology of the river and the wildlife which is there.

“We put a lot of emphasis on safety in general - both with equipment and being safe at the waterside.”

Tony and Ulves had set up two rods and equipment at two fishing stations along the river bank, close to the footbridge which links Double Street and High Street, to enable youngsters to have a try.

The two stations included a chair for the youngsters to sit in while they got to grips with the rod.

Speaking on the morning Tony said: “We are going to run through some of the equipment we use and them to catch some fish so that can develop them into wanting to get into it.

“One of the benefits of fishing is that it gets families together when we had the Peterborough festival we had a big display with kids and had 200 people there.”

While Tony said that the low water levels in the River Welland have had an impact on fish stocks but the levels of Tetch were feeding well.

He went onto say: “No-one seems to fish in families now. In a different generation dad or granddad would fish. But now when I ask parents if anyone fishes, they are the generation of computers and video games so they don’t know how to approach it so this intiative is great.”

One mum who brought her children along to the session was Samantha Wilson, who lives in Spalding.

She said: “I think it is amazing for children and important for life skills.

“For these men to do something for the children is good.”

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