We ran our very popular Taster Sessions again this year with funding from the Environment Agency and Rochford Council and sponsorship from Puddledock Fishery in Upminster.

Dates were set for Saturday 23rd July at Rochford Reservoir, 26th, 28th July, 2nd, 4th, 9th & 11th August at Puddledock Fishery.

Rochford was a new event for us and Jo McPherson sorted out the funding for the event. We had 46 people come to the venue to have a go on the day so a successful start. Unfortunately the lake fished very badly on the day and it was hard work getting people into fish.

First day at Puddledock arrived and by 9am we had over 70 people on site booking in for a session!!!!! We normally get around 70 a day so this was unprecendented.

A manic day with 137 people booking in to learn how to fish. I wish we could have had 3 more coaches to help deal with the number of people attending.

We were more prepared for day 2 incase we had another really busy day. 118 more people came through the gate.

Day 3 and everyone was starting to feel knackered. Another 115 people attended. Day 4 and it poured with rain non stop all day. Still 39 hardy people turned up to have a go which, considering the weather, was fantastic.

Day 5 and we had 158 people!!!! This was getting busier and busier. The final day came and we had 126 more people.

Total for the events is 739 people coming along to have a go and try their hand at fishing. Well over 200 more than last year.

A fantastic series of events and many thanks to everyone who attended for making it such a fun time. Many thanks also to the team I have working with me on this, without them this wouldn’t happen.