Trade urged to back return of UK’s Take a Friend Fishing

Take a Friend Fishing (TAFF) – the long-running UK campaign to get new people into the sport – is back for the summer of 2021.

And the Angling Trades Association (ATA) – the industry body behind the initiative – is urging the trade to give it its full support.

“The renewed and new interest in fishing, the easing of lockdown, summer stay-cations and more time near home, mean our industry can capitalise on the moment,” said Andrew Race, Chairman of the ATA.

“To match that interest, we have a new logo, marketing campaign and yet more special events to provide visible growth in opportunities for anyone wanting to give angling a go. I would ask both ATA members and the wider angling trade to get behind this nationwide initiative now whilst we have this momentum.”

TAFF 2021 will take place from July 23 to September 5 (inclusive) and incentivises participation with the offer of a free one-day fishing licence, which existing licence holders can use to take someone they know fishing.

TAFF was initially started by the ATA more than 20 years ago. The campaign’s relaunch last year was so successful that the participation period was extended and more than 4,000 people took part

It is now run in conjunction with the Environment Agency, which facilitates free rod licences usually worth £6 to £12, and the Angling Trust, whose fishery members provide free day ticket offers and passes.

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust, said: “Our partnership work with the ATA and the Environment Agency means Take a Friend Fishing is back –  but this time extended right through to when schools return in September. We hope anglers will want to join with us to promote the benefits of just how brilliant going fishing is.”