Fishing school is hooking in a new generation

The Northern Fishing School is based on the Swinton Estate and boasts more than four miles of single bank fishing along the River Ure and six miles of double-bank fishing along the River Burn, where students can learn how to fish for wild brown trout, grayling and salmon. There will also be packages for local schools to educate children about the river environment, conservation, fly-tying, casting, how to catch your first fish and how to cook it.

Mark Cunliffe-Lister, owner of Swinton Estate said: “We’re delighted to be working with Marina and facilitating the Northern Fishing School at Swinton Estate. There are records of good salmon numbers being on the estate in the early 1900s, which were then depleted. However, with the work the Ure Salmon Group and Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust are doing, they are now returning, and the Northern Fishing School will ensure many people will get the chance to enjoy this and other wild fishing on offer.’

With the help of the Angling Trust, Marina and the Northern Fishing School will host free fishing days for charities throughout the year focusing on mental health, cancer recovery, disadvantaged children and the disabled.

“Fishing is one of the most mindful sports you can do and the art of fly fishing requires complete concentration and total absorption,” said Marina. ”It’s both exhilarating and relaxing. That’s why I want to teach the next generation how to fish, so they can enjoy this fantastic sport within the tranquillity of a river-side environment.’

• See Saturday’s Weekend section for a full interview with Marina Gibson.