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.
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9:00 AM
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5:00 PM
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9:00 AM
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5:00 PM
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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!
More Than Just Fishing – A Fantastic Learning Experience
""I brought my grandson along, and it was one of the best experiences we’ve had together. The sessions don’t just teach fishing—they teach patience, respect for nature, and perseverance. A brilliant initiative for kids of all ages!""
"The level of support and encouragement at Summerhayes Juniors is fantastic. My son struggles with confidence in new activities, but the coaches made him feel comfortable and capab...
"I had so much fun at Summerhayes Juniors! The coaches taught me how to bait my hook and land a fish properly. I even made new friends, and now we go fishing together on weekends....
"My daughter had never fished before, but after just a few sessions, she was catching fish like a pro! The structured learning and friendly environment made all the difference. She...
"My son absolutely loved his time at Summerhayes Juniors! The coaches were amazing—so patient and encouraging. He’s learned so much about fishing, and now he’s teaching me a thing...
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.
Discover the art of Crucian Carp fishing for junior anglers at Summerhayes. A gentle, rewarding method that teaches patience, float reading and delica...
Bringing your child to a junior angling session for the first time? This warm, practical guide covers what to expect, what to bring, how to support your young angler on the bank, and why fishing is so good for growing minds.
Water temperatures are rising, carp are feeding shallow and tench are rolling at dawn. Here's what junior anglers can expect at Summerhayes this summer — from fish behaviour to the tactics that are working right now.
Yesterday’s announcement that the UK Government will ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms could have far-reaching consequences fo...
Discover everything junior anglers need to know about perch fishing, from where they hide to how to catch them on float and lure at Summerhayes and beyond.
There is something genuinely exciting about knowing that as the feeder course wraps up at the end of July, the pole course is already on the horizon....
Help Us Inspire the Next Generation of Anglers
Summerhayes Juniors is run by dedicated volunteers and provides free angling coaching opportunities for young people across Somerset. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue delivering high-quality coaching sessions and ensures that no child is excluded due to financial circumstances.
Your support helps us purchase bait, maintain and replace fishing tackle, provide coaching equipment, fund training resources, and create new opportunities for young people to learn, develop confidence, and enjoy the outdoors.
By donating today, you are helping us invest directly in the future of youth angling and ensuring that our sessions remain accessible to everyone.
We’re grateful to work alongside organisations who support our mission, including community groups, schools, fisheries, and angling bodies.
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