FISHING Women going

Ahead of National Fishing Month, from 26 July to 31 August, three women reveal why spending time on the riverbank is definitely not just a pastime for men

- GILLIAN HARVEY

‘It brings out my competitive side!’

Lyn Bent, 70, is retired and lives in Sheffield.

‘That’s 10 fish,’ I teased my friend. ‘I’m definitely going to win!’

Ever since I was little, I’ve always had a bit of a competitive side, and when I’m fishing it’s no different. I am part of a women’s group who meet up every fortnight, and about once a month we take part in a group activity arranged by Maxwell Ayamba, an environmentalist who works with us. We’re always up for something new – we’ve done walking trips, horse riding and foraging. Even so, when I suggested fishing, everyone thought I was crackers. But I’ve always fancied giving it a go.

Our first trip was to Aston Park Fisheries in Sheffield, in summer 2016, and we all had a great time. Our instructor was very patient, and showed us how to put maggots on hooks and cast the line properly. I was a bit squeamish at first, but soon got the hang of it. I learnt to feel the weight on the line when I’d hooked a fish, and how to reel it in.

As well as enjoying the activity, the laughter and chat, I find it so peaceful being by the water – even though I do get a bit nervous about falling in!

As the fish are quite small, last time we had an informal competition to see who could net the most, I was the winner with 12 fish.