The Director's update: February 2026

There is nothing quite like a good show. A place where, like clansman in the days of yore in the Scottish Highlands, we gather as a convivial group and just celebrate.

The British Fly Fair International is just that. Drawing the fly-fishing community from near and far across the globe, there is no doubt that the BFFI is THE show.

With that in mind, to be asked to talk at the show is a massive privilege – to then do so about the work of Fishing for Schools and announce our new Angling and the Countryside qualification adds to the delicious whole.

The icing on the cake was the participation of the audience. Let me say from the outset, a talk about our future and young people – and worse... coarse fishing – within an ardent fly-fishing community is hardly a crowd-pleaser!

And yet, on both days it was a big audience that stayed, listened, nodded their agreement, challenged me when needed, laughed (appropriately!) and offered me the type of support you only ever truly have from a real and live experience.

Feedback, positive or not, is our watchword and drives us ever onwards.

That is what I received. And uplifting it was, too….

I would like to close this newsletter by unreservedly thanking YETI – those makers of astonishingly good cool boxes and heat (or cool) retaining drinking mugs – they are the absolute BEST.

YETI's wholehearted and generous support for what we do at Fishing for Schools is utterly amazing. The fact that they allowed me to deface their lovely product on their stand at the BFFI was a complete joy.

Thank you, Lauren, thank you Grace.

So onwards… school visits, driving the new qualification, and onboarding new staff, coaches and advisers; it's relentless. But goodness, the good we do.

Have a fantastic season opening, if you are trout fishing... and if you are staring at the close of the coarse season, then may it be blessed with huge catches.

Wherever you are, though, please just let it stop raining!