Helping young people learn to fish with confidence, skill, and joy. At Summerhayes Juniors, we teach children and families how to fish safely, responsibly, and successfully through structured coaching sessions led by qualified Angling Trust coaches. Learn to Fish • Build Confidence • Join a Supportive Community
WHY WE EXIST
Fishing has the power to change lives. It teaches patience and focus, builds confidence and resilience, and gives young people a real sense of achievement. But for many families, knowing how and where to begin can feel overwhelming — that’s where Summerhayes Juniors makes the difference.
We deliver high-quality, skills-based junior angling coaching across Somerset, designed to support children at every stage of their fishing journey. From complete beginners picking up a pole for the first time to young anglers ready to refine their technique and watercraft, our sessions are structured to help each child progress with confidence and enjoyment.
All coaching is led by qualified Level 2 Angling Coaches and delivered in line with guidance from the Angling Trust, ensuring every session is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all abilities. We focus on hands-on learning at real, working fisheries such as Summerhayes Fisheries and The Sedges, giving juniors the chance to learn in authentic environments where skills truly stick.
Our coaching is family-friendly by design. Parents and guardians are encouraged to get involved, learn alongside their children, and gain the knowledge needed to fish safely and responsibly together beyond our sessions. Through a clear pathway-based approach, we help juniors develop at their own pace, building strong foundations before moving on to more advanced techniques when they’re ready.
Whether your child dreams of catching their very first fish or growing into a confident, capable angler with a lifelong love of the sport, Summerhayes Juniors is here to support every step of the journey.
Our junior angling taster sessions are a fun, relaxed introduction to fishing for young anglers and beginners. With all tackle provided and friendly coaching on hand, juniors can have a go, learn the basics, and build confidence by the water — all in a safe, supportive environment with no pressure and no experience needed.
Spaces
Varies
From
9:00 AM
To
4:00 PM
Spaces
Varies
From
9:00 AM
To
5:00 PM
Spaces
Varies
From
9:00 AM
To
5:00 PM
Spaces
Varies
From
9:00 AM
To
5:00 PM
Spaces
Varies
From
9:00 AM
To
5:00 PM
Spaces
Varies
From
9:00 AM
To
5:00 PM
Whether your child is brand new or progressing through the pathway, each course combines coaching, practical time on the bank, and confidence-building activities.
Fishing can be expensive. Your donated rods, reels, nets, boxes, feeders, floats, or accessories help us give more children the chance to learn.
If you have unused tackle at home, we can put it directly into the hands of young anglers who need it most.
Don’t just take our word for it—hear from the parents and young anglers who have experienced the fun, learning, and excitement of our coaching sessions! From building confidence to mastering new skills, our courses leave a lasting impact both on and off the water. See what others have to say about their journey with Summerhayes Juniors!
Summerhayes Juniors is a dedicated junior angling club based in Somerset, offering coaching, matches, and outdoor learning for children and young people aged 6–18. We help beginners and experienced juniors develop fishing skills, build confidence, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment.
No — we provide all the basic equipment needed for beginners. As juniors progress, they may want their own tackle for matches, but it isn’t required to start.
Yes. All sessions are supervised by qualified coaches and trained volunteers. We follow strict safeguarding policies, use safe equipment such as barbless hooks, and ensure every venue is risk assessed.
Children under 13 do not need a licence. From ages 13–16, juniors need a free Environment Agency Junior Licence, which is quick and easy to apply for. We can provide guidance for parents if needed.
Our main coaching sessions run every Wednesday evening 4.30pm - 6.30pm at Summerhayes Fisheries in Bridgwater, with additional courses and events throughout the year.
Absolutely. Fishing is one of the most inclusive sports, and we have supported many juniors with autism, ADHD, sensory needs, and other challenges. The calm, structured environment of fishing is perfect for children who may not enjoy traditional sports.
Yes, Parents are required to stay and watch, and many enjoy relaxing by the water while their child takes part.
We cover a variety of fishing methods including pole fishing, feeder fishing, waggler fishing, and ledger/bomb fishing. This gives juniors a well-rounded introduction to different styles.
Simply complete our Parental Consent Form and come along to one of our sessions. Beginners are always welcome.
We recommend comfortable clothes, waterproofs, a drink, and a snack. All fishing tackle is provided for beginners.
Yes — fishing is widely recognised as a fantastic activity for wellbeing. It provides calmness, reduces stress, and builds confidence in children who may struggle with traditional sports or school environments.
Yes. We partner with schools, SASP, the Angling Trust, and local organisations to provide group sessions, enrichment activities, and special projects that bring more children into fishing.
OUR LATEST
Explore the latest blogs and guides for young anglers, filled with tips, tricks, and expert advice.
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Float choice is one of the most important skills a young angler can learn. In this guide, Summerhayes Juniors explains how to choose the right float f...
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Learn how different top kits work, what elastic ratings really mean, how to connect your rigs, and when to change things for the seasons. With real ex...
This week’s indoor coaching session was all about rods! Our juniors got hands-on with over a dozen different types — learning when, why, and how each...
Our simplified coaching pathway focuses on the three essential pillars every young angler needs to grow with confidence. From learning key methods, to caring for fish responsibly, to understanding how water and fish behaviour work — this pathway gives juniors the knowledge and independence to enjoy angling safely and successfully.
Juniors discover a range of fishing techniques — including whip, waggler, pole, feeder, and ledger methods. Through hands-on coaching, they learn how each approach works, when to use it, and how to set up tackle safely and confidently.
Respect for fish is at the heart of what we teach. Children learn safe unhooking, correct net use, fish care, and how to return fish responsibly. These skills build confidence and help young anglers understand how to look after the fish they catch.
Juniors learn how to “read the water” — spotting features, understanding weather effects, choosing swims, and recognising where fish are likely to be. These skills help young anglers make smarter decisions and become more independent on the bank.
We’re grateful to work alongside organisations who support our mission, including community groups, schools, fisheries, and angling bodies.
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