FishPal users raise over £27K for conservation and young anglers

Feb. 20, 2025 - PRLog -- Anglers who use the innovative FishPal (https://www.fishpal.com/) service to book their fly fishing permits and accommodation online raised more than £27,000 for angling and conservation charities last year.

Much of this money goes to organisations aimed at preserving rivers and wildlife and encouraging a new generation of responsible anglers. This month, £8,400 was donated to the Tweed Foundation's TweedStart initiative at the ceremonial start of the River Tweed salmon fishing season.

TweedStart gives children and young adults first-hand experience in fly fishing, conservation and river stewardship, ensuring that the next generation of anglers develops a deep appreciation for our rivers and their wildlife.

FishPal presented the donation to TweedStart's young Ambassadors at the official opening of the River Tweed's salmon fishing season on 1 February. This traditional event, led by Her Grace, The Duchess of Roxburghe, was a vibrant community celebration with pipers accompanying the customary blessing of the river with a dram of whisky.

Angling expert Will Draper, Head of FishPal, says: 'The opening of the Tweed fishing season celebrates old traditions but, this year, it also celebrated young people as we presented our cheque to TweedStart's enthusiastic anglers.

'Thanks to generous donations from anglers across Scotland, the UK and Europe, FishPal proudly supports TweedStart, a programme dedicated to introducing young people to the joys of fishing. TweedStart encourages them to take an interest in the ecology of the river and raises their awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy river system for fishing. Angling can be expensive, so the money also goes towards helping them with kit such as rods, waders and life jackets, as well as giving them a skill set to build up their confidence.

'Of course, FishPal is for all anglers, from complete novices to the most experienced, providing impartial advice, up-to-date information about catches of salmon and sea trout, river level data and the latest fishing availability. Anglers can book permits and accommodation for the Tweed now, with rod permits available from just £12 a day on some beats. FishPal's free videos keep anglers up to date with what's happening and conditions on our rivers and fisheries. They are available at https://www.fishpal.com/FindFishing.html. The latest updates include coverage of this year's River Tweed opening ceremony, featuring the presentation of the cheque to TweedStart's young Ambassadors.

'For more information on booking permits and accommodation near all of Scotland's great fishing rivers in 2025, see https://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/