Fishing for success in Northampton

Children take part in National Fishing Month

Children from Queen Eleanor School in Northampton were surprised by the number of fish and other creatures they found living in the canal close to their school. They spent a sunny day in June 2010 on the Northampton arm of the Grand Union Canal close to where it joins up with the River Nene near the centre of the town. The children all had a go at fishing with qualified angling coaches passing on their tips and tricks about the sport and how to get started safely. Julian Taylor of the Angling Development Board said: ‘It’s great to enthuse primary school children about angling. It’s a past time that really encourages young people to understand wildlife and their local environment, but also have a good time and learn a new skill.’ The children also explored the microscopic world of the canal by catching and identifying a variety of freshwater invertebrates including mayfly nymphs, water boatmen and even tiny leeches! The class teacher commented ‘They had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some of the children now seem to be really keen to take up fishing!’ For more information about how you can get involved in National Fishing Month check out www.nationalfishingmonth.com.