DURING the lockdown, we’ve seen our lives change dramatically to reduce the pressure on the NHS and keep everyone safe.
While the angling community have had what for many of us is a lifeline and an escape taken away, angling groups such as FishPal have been playing their part by lobbying and bringing people together through their love of fishing.
I caught up with Anne Woodcock from FishPal this week to see how they’ve been making a difference.
Anne said: “It’s been frustrating for us all not to be able to go fishing. Hopefully, we might well be back soon, albeit with restrictions and conditions in place as part of an initial partial release. For now though, the Government’s instructions to stay home, stay safe and protect the NHS are still very much applicable to all of us.
“Since lockdown, I’ve been hosting a daily live chat at 11am on FishPal’s Facebook page for anglers to come together during this challenging time and especially for those on their own during isolation.
“Over a mug of tea or coffee, we find out about our fishing guest and anglers coming into the feed can ask them questions. Everyone is really lovely, lots of shout outs and thank yous. So far I have had Ian Gordon, Andy Ford, Charles Jardine, Robson Green, Matthew Wright and other leading names chatting about their fishing.
“The camaraderie and variety has been amazing. We have had people watching from as far as Australia, Argentina, Iceland, Norway and UAE. There is also a battalion in Arbroath who are mad keen anglers tuning in too.
“It’s an hour or so of indulgence in all things fishing, with stories and experiences shared with our audience to help put a smile on everyone’s face. Next week, there is a joint Q&A with Ian Gordon and Scott Mackenzie and a special live chat with angling legend Paul Young.”
“At FishPal we have been doing our bit to help the industry during these difficult times, like helping beat owners and anglers rearrange bookings for cancelled trips and giving them new dates to look forward too.
“We’ve been busy speaking to fishing bodies, Government officials, MSPs and MPs, all with a view to trying to help get fishing back on the map, released from lockdown as part of how the sport can help with people’s physical and mental health, which is so important.
“We’re all counting the days to when we can once again fish our favourite pools.
“It will be a slow release to start and a build from there, but the most important thing of all is to get back fishing when the overriding Government statistics get us to a place where it is safe to do so.
"Tight lines till then.”
Visit the Fishpals website here www.fishpal.com, and the Facebook page here www.facebook.com/fishpal
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