In a world that seems at times full of selfish people, I think a big part of sea angling should be a tradition of helping others. It gives so much joy and pleasure to those who participate, including tremendous mental health benefits, and if we don’t share and connect with non-anglers, the sport dies. Over the past year, I have been trying my best to teach others in my local community how to fish. This has ranged from small children to adults who have never wet a line or experienced the sensation of catching a fish. I’ll be honest; it’s been enormously rewarding showing people the ropes and seeing them flourish, catching the summer species, like mackerel and couches bream, on lures, and even some pals catching congers on their first time fishing. The story is always the same: smiling faces and a healthy addiction that will likely prove a lifelong relationship with the sea and nature. Fishing just makes everyone feel so good doing it. The highlight of my year has probably been watching two little lads (Diego and Theo, the nephews of a friend) catch dogfish, mackerel and launce from the boat. They made memories that will stay with them forever.
ON THE ROCKS
I have recently had a good pal over to stay with me in the Channel Islands. Craig Pope is a very accomplished UK angler who has fished all over the world. He and I organised a
