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 changes lives. It builds resilience, focus, confidence, patience, and pride. But getting started can be confusing — that’s where we come in.
Summerhayes Juniors provides high-quality, skills-based angling coaching for children across Somerset. Our sessions are designed to support every young angler, from complete beginners to those ready for advanced techniques.
Whether your child wants to catch their first fish or develop into a confident, capable angler, we’re here to guide every step.
Whether your child is brand new or progressing through the pathway, each course combines coaching, practical time on the bank, and confidence-building activities.
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.
Children as young as 4 can join our coaching sessions. We welcome complete beginners through to experienced juniors who want to develop their match fishing skills.
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.
We keep costs as low as possible so fishing is accessible to all. Many of our sessions are free or heavily subsidised thanks to the support of local partners, sponsors, and funding.
Children will learn the basics of fishing step by step, including how to set up a rod or pole, bait a hook, cast, and safely land fish. Sessions also cover fish care, water safety, and respect for the environment.
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.
Yes! Once confident, juniors can enter friendly club matches. Competitions are a fun way to learn new skills and meet other anglers. Some of our juniors have gone on to compete at county and even international level.
Simply complete our Parental Consent Form and come along to one of our sessions. Beginners are always welcome.
The club is run by a team of passionate volunteers and qualified angling coaches. Our lead coach, Gavin Davey, has years of experience working with juniors and is committed to making fishing fun, safe, and accessible for everyone.
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.
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!
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.
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.
OUR LATEST
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This summer, Summerhayes Juniors partnered with SASP to introduce over 90 Somerset pupils to fishing. For many, it was their first catch — and a chanc...
Fishing is a sport for everyone. Our Junior Guide explains how young anglers can start their journey, learn the basics, care for fish, and build confi...
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We’re grateful to work alongside organisations who support our mission, including community groups, schools, fisheries, and angling bodies.
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