Anyone who would like to have a go at fishing but isn’t sure how to start should get along to Baltic Square on the River Tyne during the May Bank Holiday, when there’ll be free taster sessions.
Get Hooked on Fishing and the Environment Agency will be holding the free sessions at Baltic Square over the weekend of 3 and 4 May.
Budding anglers will have the chance to try their hands at angling and see what amazing fish can be found in the River Tyne. Whether you find codling, crabs or even flat-fish, you’ll be hooked once you’ve had a go.
The sessions begin at 11am on both days and last for 50 minutes. Experienced coaches will cast your line, answer any questions and give you all the hints and tips to catch a fish. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, you will be able to reel it in and measure it yourself, before releasing it back into the River Tyne.
The last session of the day will begin at 4pm, and the angler who hooks the largest fish will win a bait fishing kit.
Elizabeth Bunting of the Environment Agency said: “To book a spot on one of the sessions please can people call me on 0191 203 4065. Our angling coaches will supervise the children during the session and parents or guardians who want to watch or participate are more than welcome. Children aged 16 and under will need their parent or guardian to fill out a consent form before fishing.
“Here in the North East we’re lucky to have some of the best river fishing for salmon and trout and some excellent stillwater fisheries so people don’t have to travel far for quality fishing in a great environment.”
The taster sessions are part of the Tyne Salmon Trail, which aims to encourage local people and visitors to engage and enjoy the River Tyne. The Tyne Salmon Trail promotes and celebrates all the river and surrounding area has to offer including the many recreational activities such as fishing, cycling, sailing, walking and canoeing, plus of course the beautiful surrounding countryside.
The Tyne Salmon Trail Cubes will also be at the Baltic Square event. These are beautiful sculptured cubes inspired by the textures, changing colours, movement and journey of the salmon, and they will migrate along the River Tyne, following the amazing journey of the salmon. More information at
www.tynesalmontrail.co.ukThe sessions are part of the Fish on the Tyne / EAT festival – more at
www.newcastlegateshead.com/2138/Food_Festival.html 
