Fishing could become part of the curriculum in schools across the country, if funding can be found to expand a successful pilot scheme backed by the Pike Anglers Club.
Junior Coarse Angling's Fishing in Schools programme has already been run in 12 schools in Oxfordshire and London.
The PAC is the first specialist group to back the initiative, which includes lessons for 11 - 14-year-olds about different aspects of fishing.
They include the biology of the pike, how to fish for them and how to unhook and return them safely.
PAC treasurer John Synnuck and Kent-based piker Steve Gould have helped both in the classroom and on the bank.
John was recently awarded a prestigious Investors in Education Award by the East Oxfordshire Education Business Partnership for his work.
Today Junior Coarse Angling founder Les Webber said almost 70 more schools across the country were hoping to take part.
"What we're hoping to do is get it into schools around the country if we can get the funding," he said.
"We're hoping PAC members will get inolved to do the lessons. We can arrange CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks and child protection training if they need it."
While around £45,000 is needed to run the scheme for three years, Junior Coarse Angling is in talks with a potential sponsor.
John Synnuck said: "We are looking forward to working with Les, both in the classroom and on the bank.
"We hope he gets the funding he needs to take his programme to many schools around the country.
"If he is successful all aspects of pike angling will be taught by PAC members.
"Pupils will learn that pike are predators but very fragile fish and the need for correct tackle and gentle handling are of utmost importance.
"We see this as a way of educating youngsters so those that take up pike fishing safeguard the pike and their future fishing."
Junior Coarse Angling's Fishing in Schools programme has already been run in 12 schools in Oxfordshire and London.
The PAC is the first specialist group to back the initiative, which includes lessons for 11 - 14-year-olds about different aspects of fishing.
They include the biology of the pike, how to fish for them and how to unhook and return them safely.
PAC treasurer John Synnuck and Kent-based piker Steve Gould have helped both in the classroom and on the bank.
John was recently awarded a prestigious Investors in Education Award by the East Oxfordshire Education Business Partnership for his work.
Today Junior Coarse Angling founder Les Webber said almost 70 more schools across the country were hoping to take part.
"What we're hoping to do is get it into schools around the country if we can get the funding," he said.
"We're hoping PAC members will get inolved to do the lessons. We can arrange CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks and child protection training if they need it."
While around £45,000 is needed to run the scheme for three years, Junior Coarse Angling is in talks with a potential sponsor.
John Synnuck said: "We are looking forward to working with Les, both in the classroom and on the bank.
"We hope he gets the funding he needs to take his programme to many schools around the country.
"If he is successful all aspects of pike angling will be taught by PAC members.
"Pupils will learn that pike are predators but very fragile fish and the need for correct tackle and gentle handling are of utmost importance.
"We see this as a way of educating youngsters so those that take up pike fishing safeguard the pike and their future fishing."
