Angling - New-look festival set to cast its spell (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Angling - New-look festival set to cast its spell

10:47am Thursday 12th May 2011 in Sport

CUMBRIA'S third Fishing Festival from May 14-22 has been revamped.

Along with waterside masterclasses and workshops aimed at improving anglers' knowledge, this year's festival will feature sessions on kayak fishing, fly fishing for cap, bass and mullet and a sea-trout fishing event.

There also will be introductory sessions for trout anglers making the transition to salmon fishing and specialist fly casting session.

Integrated into the festival will be tackler dealer Stephen J.Fawcetts’ Open Day to be held on the River Lune at Underley, Kirkby Lonsdale, on Sunday, May 15.

As in previous years, the 2011 Festival comprises of angling events aimed at fishers and non-fishers alike, and following it’s successful introduction last year, there will continue to be an online pre-booking and pre-payment system.

The festival website with the programme of events can be found at www.cumbriafishingfestival.co.uk Festival organiser Neil Birkinshaw said: "We’ve recognised that in springtime it is our game fishing and pike fishing that offer our greatest appeal.

"Our first festival week was well attended by predominantly local anglers, but last year we noticed that many participants had travelled long distances and were participating in a number of events, having clearly decided to spend several days in the county.

"Lakeland is stunning in springtime and a visit during Festival week should appeal to non-fishing partners, too. With such a well-developed tourist infrastructure, there’s loads for them to see and do.”