Annual family fishing day at Rochdale Walton Angling Society

Date published: 13 May 2023

The annual family fishing day at Rochdale Walton Angling Society drew more than 200 people to Healey Dell on 29 April.

The free event sees anglers of all ages and abilities cast out onto the water, with many families experiencing fishing for the very first time. All bait and equipment were provided free of charge, and snacks provided.

“We had a fantastic time,” said local resident Andy Lord. “My partner Vickie has fished before but our 7 year old hadn’t and he was over the moon to catch five fish in just over an hour. Angling teaches patience and quiet contemplation away from screens and tablets, as well as an appreciation for the outdoors. We will definitely be back!”

Fishery officer and club volunteer Matt Knowles said: “It was a fantastic occasion. It was so nice to welcome families along to our water with lots of smiles on faces.

“It was a lovely day; we had lots of club volunteers helping out, and Dave Lees from the Angling Trust.”

He continued: “Rochdale Walton is much more than just a fishing club. We are a community-based organisation that invests in people’s wellbeing by exploring and protecting our natural heritage. Fishing is about maintaining a healthy stock in the water and looking after the water itself. You need to understand the biodiversity around you in order to fish successfully.”

Rochdale Walton Angling Society also offers free coaching to juniors throughout the six-week school holidays on Thursday evenings.

The group also runs weekly mental wellbeing Saturday socials, and offers discounts to those who may have suffered PTSD, blue light workers, army veterans and disabled. It also hosts a Forest School service that helps children and young people learn both personal and academic skills in the natural environment.

Rochdale Walton Angling Society has also spent time investing in nature, installing owl, bird and bat boxes and creating habitat hedging for small mammals and birds.

The society is the oldest angling club in Rochdale having been established in 1858.

Rochdale Walton Angling Society has an open membership policy, and no experience is necessary. You can get advice on tackle and equipment and if you have some angling experience, you can buy a guest ticket to fish before joining as a full member.