IT’s been one of the favourite pastimes of wealthy folk for centuries.

But now enthusiasts are urging people from all walks of life to take up fly fishing, and are offering free lessons to set them on their way.

Families from across the county are invited to head along tomorrow to Farmoor Reservoir, near Oxford, to learn from a selection of fishing experts.

Last night Tom Sherwood, a fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, said fly fishing is no longer an elitist activity.

He added: “Fly fishing really is something for everyone to enjoy these days.

“It may have once had an image that it was quite elite, but that is no longer the case.

“It’s something anybody can learn now.”

In fly fishing, fish are caught by using artificial flies that are cast with a fly rod and a fly line.

Artificial flies are created by tying hair, fur, feathers, or other materials, onto a hook with thread.

Qualified angling coaches will be on hand throughout the day to offer one-to-one tuition to people of all abilities.

Mr Sherwood added: “By giving people a chance to become involved in angling we are providing an opportunity to get closer to nature.

“Angling can be a hobby for life, which can be enjoyed for half-an-hour at a time or a full day and is just plain good fun.”

Fly fishing was once renowned for being an expensive sport which only those who could afford the equipment and had access to private lakes could afford.

A Yellow Pages advert in the early 1980s lampooned the sport’s old-fashioned image and made a household name out of the fictional star, JR Hartley.

But increasing numbers of reservoirs and lakes are opening up to the public, making it increasingly affordable.

Rainbow and brown trout are the most prevalent fish in the reservoir, which spans about 400 acres.

Thames Water, Oxfordshire Association of Young People (OAYP) and the Angling Development Board are supporting the event, which also features information about the reservoir’s wildlife.

Ian Horrocks, from OAYP, added: “Fly fishing is a really exciting way to catch fish.

“At this event we are offering people the chance to learn about how to cast a fly, what imitation flies you can use and there is always the chance you might catch a trout.”

The event runs from 9.30am until 4.30pm, and fishing tackle and rod licences will be provided on the day. There is no need to book.