Hold onto your fishing hats, because the past two weeks haven't just been busy – they've been an electrifying, heart-warming, and utterly unforgettable tapestry of angling adventures! I've had the immense privilege of being immersed in a whirlwind of community-focused initiatives, partnering with some of the most dedicated and inspiring organisations out there to unleash the incredible joy and profound benefits of fishing. The sheer energy, the shared smiles, the dawning understanding on new faces – it’s been a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. From bustling urban canals to serene, dedicated fisheries, the spirit of angling has been well and truly alive!
Our journey began on the historic canal network near Dudley, specifically in the welcoming community of Swindon Village. Here, alongside the brilliant teams from Birmingham Anglers Association (BAA) and the Canal & River Trust (CRT), we plunged into their sensational Let's Fish! campaign. Now, imagine the scene: families gathered, curious individuals, youngsters buzzing with anticipation, all lining the towpath.
However, instead of a gentle May sky, we were met with genuinely cold and windy conditions, which certainly made the fishing difficult! To add another layer of challenge, particularly for our beginners, the Pike were out in abundance and proving to be a bit too interested in the smaller fish, making things even harder. Despite these tricky conditions, the CRT and BAA volunteers, myself included, were in our element.
We only used poles to fish with, patiently guiding everyone through the art of setting up this simple yet effective tackle, explaining how to read the water with a pole float, and the importance of gentle handling.
The determination was incredible! And even with the wind biting and the pike making their presence known, quite a few fish were still caught! The "buzz" was definitely still there – perhaps even amplified by the shared challenge – in the excited chatter when a fish was landed, the gasps of delight, the shared laughter against the odds, and the quiet satisfaction of learning a new skill in less-than-ideal weather. We weren't just teaching pole fishing; we were opening a door to understanding the vibrant, and sometimes challenging, ecosystems thriving in these urban waterways, fostering a sense of local pride and real resilience. The gratitude and enthusiasm from everyone who braved the elements were incredible, a true testament to their spirit and the hard work BAA and CRT pour into these vital introductory events, whatever the weather!
Next, my path led me to an experience that always touches the soul: supporting CCP (Caring for Communities and People) as they triumphantly launched the second year of their deeply impactful 'Keep it Reel' mental health group. This initiative is a shining beacon, powerfully demonstrating angling's capacity as a genuine therapeutic tool. It’s more than just fishing; it's about creating a sanctuary. Picture a calm, safe space where individuals can disconnect from daily pressures and reconnect with themselves and the natural world. The gentle lapping of water, the focused anticipation, the shared quietude interspersed with supportive conversation – these elements combine to reduce anxiety, promote mindfulness, and foster a sense of belonging. Having seen the positive transformations and the supportive community built during its first year, being there to witness the renewed hope and gentle optimism as CCP kicked off year two was profoundly moving. It’s a testament to the healing power of nature and shared, gentle activity.
And then, the crescendo! My work with the Angling Trust on their outstanding Reel Education Programme took us to a truly special venue: the absolutely amazing Catch a Smile fishery in Quedgeley. Now, when I say amazing, I mean it. Catch a Smile isn't just a place to fish; it's a meticulously crafted haven for anglers, especially for those new to the sport. Imagine well-maintained, accessible pegs perfect for learners, beautiful, clean water reflecting the sky, and an atmosphere brimming with peace and the promise of adventure. It’s clear the owners pour their heart and soul into it, creating an environment that feels both exciting and incredibly safe.
We welcomed 15 incredibly enthusiastic children from a Gloucester school, their faces a mixture of curiosity and barely contained excitement. And did Catch a Smile deliver? Absolutely! The fishing was nothing short of SPECTACULAR! We're talking fish after fish after fish! The water seemed alive, and the kids were in their element. Little arms, initially unsure, learned to cast with growing confidence. Patient instruction on baiting up and spotting bites soon turned into squeals of delight and cries of "I've got one!" Roach, rudd, and maybe even a small carp or two – a procession of beautiful fish graced their landing nets, each one met with wide eyes and beaming smiles. The transformation was incredible to witness: from tentative beginners to confident young anglers in the space of a few hours. The sheer volume of fish caught meant everyone had multiple moments of triumph, cementing a positive first experience that will hopefully last a lifetime. The Angling Trust’s Reel Education programme is all about creating these core memories and pathways into angling, and Catch a Smile provided the perfect, fish-filled amphitheatre for this magic to unfold.
Looking back over these jam-packed weeks, the overarching theme is undeniably the transformative and unifying power of angling. It’s a leveller, a teacher, a healer, and a connector. We’ve seen it build confidence in nervous newcomers, provide solace and camaraderie for those seeking peace, ignite a passion for nature in young hearts, and strengthen community bonds.
And while all this fantastic front-line activity has been taking place, please know there’s been a hive of activity behind the scenes too! We have been working incredibly hard on our policies and procedures, meticulously making sure we have everything robustly in place. This essential groundwork is crucial as we gear up to apply for funding that will allow us to expand these programmes and reach even more people. Alongside this, we've also been busy meeting with other fantastic organisations, forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones, all with the shared goal of getting even more children out fishing and experiencing the wonders of the waterside. It’s all about collaboration and building a sustainable future for these brilliant initiatives!
Speaking of future excitement, many of you will know we had an event scheduled for Saturday, 7th June. Well, the response has been absolutely phenomenal, and we're thrilled (and a little overwhelmed!) to announce that this event is now FULLY BOOKED! For those who secured a spot, we can't wait to see you there! For those who missed out this time, please don't be disheartened – it’s a testament to the growing love for angling in our community, and we're already looking at future dates and more opportunities, so keep an eye out for announcements! And guess what? The momentum doesn't stop! Next week is looking to be very much the same – packed with more sessions, more new faces, and more fishing fun!
This hasn't just been 'work'; it's been a privilege to witness and contribute to such positive impact. The echoes of laughter, the shared stories, the glint of a freshly caught fish in the sun – these are the moments that fuel the passion and drive us forward.
The journey continues, and I'm more energised than ever to keep casting the net wide, sharing the incredible world of angling with as many people as possible. If you've ever thought about trying fishing, or know someone who might benefit, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore the opportunities out there. You never know what wonders await by the water's edge.
Here's to many more full nets and even fuller hearts!
Tight lines, and smiling faces!
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