One of the things I've always loved about fishing is the people it brings into your life. I've made some incredible friendships over the years, and I truly believe the fishing community is full of people who will happily stop for a chat, lend a hand or share a laugh on the bank.
But as special as those friendships are, there's something even more important to me – family.
I recently got back from a trip to Devon where we stayed in a lodge with lakes right on the doorstep. It gave us the chance to spend a few days together, away from the distractions of everyday life, enjoying the outdoors and making memories that will stay with us for years.
The highlight of the trip had to be watching my five-year-old son catch his very first carp. He was absolutely chuffed, and seeing the excitement on his face reminded me exactly why I fell in love with fishing in the first place. It wasn't about the size of the fish or getting the perfect photo. It was about that moment, the smile, and sharing it together.
Fishing has a unique way of bringing families closer. It gets us away from screens, encourages us to slow down, talk, laugh and simply enjoy each other's company. Whether you're teaching your children to fish, spending time with your parents or grandparents, or just sharing a few hours by the water, those moments are priceless.
That feeling is one of the reasons why being involved with Fishing for Schools means so much to me. It genuinely feels like an extension of my own family. Seeing the passion, dedication and hard work that all of the amazing coaches and students put in fills me with so much pride. Every time I visit a school or hear another success story, it reminds me that the future of our sport is in safe hands.
We're not just teaching young people how to fish. We're helping them build confidence, make friends, respect nature and create memories that can last a lifetime. That's something every single coach should be incredibly proud of.
I've attached a few pictures from our family trip that capture some of those special moments. I hope they remind people that sometimes the biggest catch isn't the fish at all—it's the memories you make together.
Thank you to everyone involved with Fishing for Schools for everything you continue to do. Together, we're not only growing the sport, but we’re also helping to build the next generation of anglers and creating a community that truly feels like family.
See you next month.❤️🎣