Jodie Kidd urges families across the UK to give fishing a try this summer, praising its wellbeing benefits to mark National Fishing Month.
The model and racing driver is urging all families to ‘give fishing a try’ as part of National Fishing Month to beat the boredom of the school holidays and learn a new skill.
National Fishing Month has released more than 250 free angling events across the country. Steps have been taken to improve inclusivity, with a calendar that features family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible events.
Fishing has surged in popularity since the pandemic, and has seen increased interest from women, a recent campaign by the Environment Agency profiled women anglers and the benefits fishing can bring to all.
Freedom to fish
According to Fanatics for Fishing, with many holidays cancelled this year families are looking for things to do closer to home. A recent OnePoll survey for the Angling Trust revealed that a quarter of people (26%) have enjoyed spending more time outdoors since the pandemic because it gives them ‘a sense of freedom’ and allows them to entertain the kids (17%). Of those keen to give fishing a try, (33%) say it provides an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.
As part of National Fishing Month, Jodie Kidd enjoyed a fishing lesson with her son and Angling Fishing Coach Kevin Holcombe at Godalming Angling Society (Surrey).
Jodie said: “It’s been fantastic to spend time in the great outdoors with my son as part of National Fishing Month. It’s a free activity during the school holidays which is fun for all the family, we loved learning a new skill and challenging each other too.
“You’ll soon be hooked, and the beauty of fishing is that it’s not just about catching a fish. I can bond with my son, talk about his day and we both feel like we’ve spent quality time in nature, which is very tranquil and rewarding. It’s taught me to slow down and get maximum enjoyment from the outdoors, what better sense of freedom is there?”
