SOMERSET'S HOME OF JUNIOR ANGLING

Free Kids' Fishing Lessons & Junior Angling Coaching in Somerset

Wednesday Night Club — a new coaching course every month

1-to-1 taster sessions for first-time anglers

All rods, tackle & bait provided — no experience needed

100% FREE, led by qualified Angling Trust coaches

Give your child a hobby that builds confidence, patience and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Whether they join our weekly Wednesday Night Club or start with a one-to-one taster session, every minute is free, fully equipped and coached by qualified, safeguarding-trained coaches.

Find the Right Session for Your Child
TWO WAYS TO GET STARTED

Which Session Is Right for Your Child?

We run two different things — a weekly club that works as a new coaching course every month, and one-to-one taster sessions for first-timers. Here's the difference in ten seconds.

Junior anglers being coached on the bank at the Wednesday Night Club, Summerhayes Fisheries
🗓️ FREE
EVERY WEDNESDAY · 4:30–6:30PM

Wednesday Night Junior Club

Our weekly club — run as a brand-new coaching course every month. Registering for the month's course is how your child joins.

A new course each month — pole, feeder, waggler & more

Register once, then come every Wednesday that month

April–September at Summerhayes Fisheries · October–March at Bridgwater College Academy

Builds real skills week by week, with a certificate at the end

See This Month's Course
A qualified coach giving a child a one-to-one fishing taster session in Somerset
🎣 FREE
FIRST TIME FISHING?

1-to-1 Taster Sessions

One-to-one coaching for a first taste of fishing — a perfect trial run before joining the club.

1–2 hours of one-to-one coaching with a qualified coach

No experience needed — ideal very first session

Run at weekends and through the school holidays

All tackle and bait provided on the day

Book a Taster Session

£0

Cost — always

4:30–6:30pm

Every Wednesday

1 Month

Per club course

Level 2

Angling Trust coaches

HOW THE WEDNESDAY CLUB WORKS

One Club. A New Course Every Month.

The Wednesday Night Club isn't a drop-in — each month runs as a structured course, and registering for the course is how your child joins the club.

1

A New Course Starts Each Month

Every month the club focuses on one skill — pole fishing, feeder, waggler and more — building it up week by week across the month's Wednesday nights.

2

Register for This Month's Course

One quick, free registration covers every Wednesday of that month. That's the only sign-up there is — register for the course and your child is in the club.

3

Come Every Wednesday, 4:30–6:30pm

Summerhayes Fisheries from April to September, Bridgwater College Academy from October to March. Finish the month with new skills and a certificate.

Register for This Month's Course

Wednesday Night Club — Upcoming Courses

Register for a course below — that's how your child joins the club

Each course below is a month of Wednesday club nights, 4:30–6:30pm. Pick the next one, register your child for free, and they're in — all tackle, bait and coaching provided every week.

4-Week In-Depth Pole Fishing Course
Starts: 5th Aug 2026

4-Week In-Depth Pole Fishing Course

This structured 4-week course is designed for juniors who already have a basic understanding of pole fishing and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Focusing on three specialised techniques—margin fishing, shallow fishing, and paste fishing—this course teaches juniors how to target larger carp more effectively using pole setups. Each week builds on the previous session, combining theory, hands-on rig work, feeding strategy, and fish-handling skills. The final session brings all techniques together in a fully practical fishing experience, capped with an assessment and certificate of completion.
4-Week Bomb & Ledger Fishing Course
Starts: 2nd Sep 2026

4-Week Bomb & Ledger Fishing Course

This 4-week course introduces juniors to the fundamentals and variations of bomb and ledger fishing—key techniques for catching larger fish near the lakebed. Across the four weeks, participants will explore the differences between bomb and feeder fishing, practice casting with accuracy, build specialist rigs such as hair rigs, and develop a deeper understanding of baiting strategies. The course culminates in a practical session and assessment to consolidate all learning, equipping young anglers with the confidence to fish independently using ledger tactics.
October – Recap of the Year's Techniques & End-of-Year Match
Starts: 7th Oct 2026

October – Recap of the Year's Techniques & End-of-Year Match

This is the culmination of our junior angling journey — a month dedicated to refining and reinforcing every technique taught throughout the year. Each week focuses on a specific method, from whip and waggler to pole, feeder, and bomb fishing, ensuring juniors feel confident with every setup. The final week features our End-of-Year Championship Match, where skills are put to the test in a fun, competitive setting. It’s the perfect mix of learning, progression, and celebration to wrap up the season.
Winter Angling Indoor Sessions – Starting October!
Starts: 4th Nov 2026

Winter Angling Indoor Sessions – Starting October!

Keep fishing alive this winter with our Junior Winter Angling Indoor Programme! Running from 29th October 2025 to April 2026 (every Wednesday, 4:30–6:30pm), these fun, educational sessions cover every aspect of the sport – from making your own rigs and floats to learning about pole, feeder, whip, sea fishing and even piking. With hands-on workshops, guest speakers, games, and plenty of angling knowledge, juniors will build confidence and skills ready for the new season. Perfect for beginners and experienced young anglers alike. 
Junior Whip Fishing Course – A Fun and Educational Experience for Young Anglers!
Starts: 7th Apr 2027

Junior Whip Fishing Course – A Fun and Educational Experience for Young Anglers!

This exciting 5-week Junior Whip Fishing Course is designed to introduce young anglers to the world of fishing in a safe, structured, and enjoyable environment. Our expert coaches will guide children through the fundamental techniques of whip fishing, helping them build confidence, skills, and a deeper appreciation for the sport.Each session lasts 2 hours and includes:Warm-up Activities – Fun and engaging exercises to get startedPractical Fishing Lessons – Hands-on experience using real fishing gear Safety Guidance – Learning the best practices for safe and responsible fishingQ&A and Reflection – A chance to discuss and reinforce the day’s learningAt the end of the course, every child will receive a Certificate of Participation, and in Week 5, they’ll get to showcase their skills in a friendly fishing match!
Junior Waggler Fishing Course – Boost Accuracy, Control Floats, and Catch Silvers
Starts: 5th May 2027

Junior Waggler Fishing Course – Boost Accuracy, Control Floats, and Catch Silvers

This engaging 4-week course is designed to introduce junior anglers to the exciting world of waggler fishing, a popular method for catching silverfish such as roach, rudd, and skimmers. Whether children are brand new to fishing or looking to develop specific float fishing skills, this course provides a step-by-step approach to learning the art of waggler angling in a supportive, hands-on environment.Throughout the four weeks, juniors will focus on building key skills such as casting accuracy, float control, bite detection, and playing and landing fish. Each session is carefully structured to balance education with enjoyment, combining interactive warm-up activities, guided practical fishing time, and end-of-session reflection to reinforce what they’ve learned.Sessions last 2 hours and are delivered by experienced coaches who provide individual support, encouragement, and supervision. From learning about tackle and setting up rigs, to reading float movements and handling fish safely, every child will gain confidence, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for angling.By the end of the course, juniors will not only understand the mechanics of waggler fishing but will also be able to apply their skills during a friendly match — celebrating their progress in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
4-Week Pole Fishing Adventure
Starts: 2nd Jun 2027

4-Week Pole Fishing Adventure

This action-packed 4-week course is designed to help juniors take their angling to the next level using pole fishing—an accurate, hands-on technique perfect for younger anglers. Across four structured sessions, juniors will explore key pole fishing fundamentals, from setting up equipment and feeding swims, to choosing rigs and handling fish with care.With plenty of practical guidance, they’ll gradually build up their confidence and knowledge. By the end of the programme, they’ll be able to fish independently using pole gear and put their skills to the test during a friendly final session and skills-based mini assessment.Whether they’re brand new to pole fishing or looking to improve, this course provides a safe, fun, and focused way to level up their technique—and celebrate their achievements with a certificate to take home!
5-Week Feeder Fishing Course
Starts: 7th Jul 2027

5-Week Feeder Fishing Course

This 5-week course introduces juniors to feeder fishing, covering essential techniques, tackle setup, feeding strategies, casting accuracy, and fish-handling skills. The course is designed to build confidence and capability in using both method and cage feeders. Juniors will progress from basic rig setup to full fishing practice, concluding with a practical assessment and certificate of completion.

NEW TO FISHING?

Free 1-to-1 Taster & School Holiday Sessions

Not ready for the club yet? Book a free taster session instead — one to two hours of one-to-one coaching with a qualified coach, all tackle provided. The perfect first cast, with no commitment.

Price P/H
FREE
Session
School Holiday Angling Coaching
Session Date
Tue 28th Jul 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
School Holiday Angling Coaching
Session Date
Tue 4th Aug 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
School Holiday Angling Coaching
Session Date
Tue 11th Aug 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
Summer Junior Fishing Coaching at Burton Spring
Session Date
Sun 16th Aug 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
School Holiday Angling Coaching
Session Date
Tue 18th Aug 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
School Holiday Angling Coaching
Session Date
Tue 25th Aug 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
Get Fishing Taster Session at Summerhayes Fishieries
Session Date
Sat 12th Sep 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
Junior Fishing Coaching at Avalon Fisheries, Somerset
Session Date
Sat 10th Oct 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

5:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
Junior Angling Coaching at The Sedges Fishery, Bridgwater
Session Date
Sat 7th Nov 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

4:00 PM
Price P/H
FREE
Session
Junior Fishing Coaching at Viaduct Fisheries, Somerset
Session Date
Sat 28th Nov 2026

Spaces

Varies

From

9:00 AM

To

4:00 PM
LIFE AT THE CLUB

Real Kids. Real Coaching. Real Catches.

A picture says it better than we can — this is what Wednesday nights and taster sessions actually look like.

Junior angler learning to fish at a Summerhayes Juniors coaching session in Somerset

Junior angler learning to fish at a Summerhayes Juniors coaching session in Somerset

 Young angler celebrating a catch at the free Wednesday Night Junior Club

Young angler celebrating a catch at the free Wednesday Night Junior Club

 Angling Trust qualified coach teaching a child pole fishing at Summerhayes Fisheries

Angling Trust qualified coach teaching a child pole fishing at Summerhayes Fisheries

 Kids fishing together at a free junior angling session near Bridgwater

Kids fishing together at a free junior angling session near Bridgwater

 Hands-on junior fishing coaching on the bank at a Somerset fishery

Hands-on junior fishing coaching on the bank at a Somerset fishery

Why Somerset Parents Trust Summerhayes Juniors

We know trying something new with your child is a big step. Here's what every family can expect from us, at every single session.

🎣

100% Free Coaching

Every Wednesday course and every taster session is completely free. Fishing should never be out of reach for any family.

🛡️

Safety First, Always

Sessions follow Angling Trust safeguarding guidance, with risk-assessed venues, water safety briefings and parents welcome on the bank.

🎒

All Equipment Provided

Rods, poles, nets, bait — we bring everything. Your child just needs warm clothes and a sense of adventure.

🤝

Trusted Community Partners

We work alongside SASP, Somerset's youth services and local schools to bring angling to every young person in the county.

WHY WE EXIST

We're More Than a Fishing Club — We're a Coaching Community

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.

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Junior angling coaching session delivered with Somerset schools and youth organisations
TRUSTED ACROSS SOMERSET

Working With Schools, SASP & Somerset Youth Services

Summerhayes Juniors isn't just trusted by parents. We deliver junior angling programmes alongside some of Somerset's biggest youth organisations, using fishing to build confidence, improve wellbeing and give young people a positive place to belong.

Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP)

Somerset Youth Offending Team

Local schools & alternative provision

Angling Trust ‘Get Fishing’ programme

Partner With Us
Donated junior fishing tackle ready for young anglers at Summerhayes Juniors
DONATE TACKLE – SUPPORT YOUTH ANGLING

Give a Young Angler Their Start in Fishing

Fishing can be expensive, and for some families the cost of tackle is the only thing standing between a child and their first fish. Your unused rods, reels, poles, nets, boxes, feeders and floats go directly into the hands of young anglers who need them most.

Every donated item helps another child join our free sessions fully equipped — and keeps good tackle out of landfill too.

Donate Your Tackle Today

What Parents & Juniors Say

5/5 (6 reviews)

Real reviews from the families who fish with us every week.

A Confidence Boost Through Fishing

“My son Ethan has absolutely loved being part of Summerhayes Juniors. From his very first session, all of the coaches made him feel welcome, encouraged him, and helped build his confidence. The coaching is fantastic, with everything provided including tackle and bait, so it’s really easy for children to get started. The coaches are patient, knowledgeable and genuinely care about helping every child learn at their own pace while making sure they have fun. Since joining, Ethan’s fishing skills and confidence have grown so much, and he always looks forward to Wednesday evenings. It’s wonderful to see him spending time outdoors, making new friends and learning about fishing and the environment. I can’t recommend Summerhayes Juniors highly enough. If you’re thinking about getting your child into fishing, this is the perfect place to start. Thank you to Gavin and all of the volunteers for everything you do for the children and the local community!”

michaela sillifant

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!"”

D

David Collins, Grandparent

Brilliant Coaching & Supportive Atmosphere

“"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 capable. Now, he’s excited about every session and wants to keep learning more!"”

L

Lucy Patterson, Parent

A Great Way to Learn & Make Friends

“"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. Can’t wait for the next course!"”

E

E Rogers, Junior Angler

Confidence & Skills That Will Last a Lifetime

“"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’s now hooked on fishing (pun intended) and can’t wait to come back next season!"”

M

Mark Davis, Parent

Fantastic Experience for Young Anglers!

“"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 or two! Highly recommend it to any parent looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity for their child."”

S

Sarah Thompson, Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Summerhayes Juniors is a free junior fishing club and angling coaching community based near Bridgwater, Somerset. We teach children aged 5–16 how to fish safely, responsibly and successfully through structured sessions led by qualified Angling Trust Level 2 coaches — from first-ever taster sessions to full monthly courses.
They're two different things. The Wednesday Night Club is our weekly club, which runs as a new structured course every month — you register your child for the month's course, then they come every Wednesday, 4:30–6:30pm. A taster session is a one-off, one-to-one coaching session of one to two hours — the perfect first try before committing to the club.
Simply register your child for this month's course — that's the only sign-up there is. Registering for the course IS joining the club: one free registration covers every Wednesday night of that month, and a new course opens for registration each month.
Yes — genuinely free. Wednesday Night Club courses, taster sessions and school holiday coaching all cost nothing, and all tackle and bait is provided. The club is run by volunteers and funded by donations, so no child is ever excluded because of cost.
No. We provide everything — rods, poles, whips, nets, seats, bait, the lot. If your child falls in love with fishing and wants their own gear later, our coaches can advise on sensible first purchases, and we sometimes have donated tackle available for families too.
Children under 13 don't need a rod licence at all. Anglers aged 13–16 need a junior licence from the Environment Agency, but it's completely free — and we'll happily show you how to get one.
Yes. Every venue we use is risk-assessed, sessions start with a water safety briefing, and coaching follows Angling Trust safeguarding guidance. Our coaches are DBS-checked and safeguarding trained, and children are supervised at all times. Parents are always welcome to stay and watch or join in.
The Wednesday Night Club runs every Wednesday, 4:30–6:30pm — at Summerhayes Fisheries, Bridgwater from April to September, and indoors at Bridgwater College Academy (BCA) from October to the end of March. Taster and school holiday sessions run at fisheries across Somerset including The Sedges, Viaduct, Avalon and Burton Springs.
We coach children aged 5 to 16, and sessions are adapted to each child's age, strength and attention span. If you're not sure whether your child is ready, a one-to-one taster session is the perfect low-pressure way to find out.
Absolutely. Fishing is one of the most inclusive sports there is, and our coaches have experience supporting children with a wide range of additional needs, including autism and ADHD. Tell us what would help your child feel comfortable and we'll do everything we can to make it work.
Parents and carers are warmly encouraged to stay — many join in and learn alongside their children, which means families can carry on fishing safely together outside our sessions. It's also the best way to see exactly how we coach and look after your child.
Yes — we deliver angling programmes with SASP (Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership), the Somerset Youth Offending Team, local schools and community groups. If you'd like to bring fishing to the young people you work with, contact us to talk about a programme.

Club Membership

An optional extra for regular young anglers — every card sold helps keep the club free for every family.

Juniors · Ages 5–16

Junior Discount Card

  • 10% off Enterprise Angling
  • 10% off Go-OutDoors
  • 10% off Somerset Angling
  • Half-Price Summerhayes Season Ticket
£20.00

Season: 1 Apr 2026 – 30 Mar 2027

Add to Cart
BLOGS & GUIDES

Junior Fishing Tips, Guides & Club News

Expert advice for young anglers and their parents — from first-session guides to species-by-species coaching articles.

Bomb &amp; Ledger Fishing for Junior Anglers: A Beginner&#039;s Guide to the Method at Summerhayes Guide
7 Jul 2026 1 min read

Bomb & Ledger Fishing for Junior Anglers: A Beginner's Guide to the Method at Summerhayes

A warm, waterside guide to bomb and ledger fishing for junior anglers near Bridgwater. Covering gear, technique, common mistakes and what to...

Read the guide
Bleak Fishing on the Pole: A Junior Angling Guide to Catching Somerset&#039;s Fastest Biting Fish Blog
1 Jul 2026

Bleak Fishing on the Pole: A Junior Angling Guide to Catching Somerset's Fastest Biting Fish

Discover how junior anglers at Summerhayes can catch bleak on the pole — a fast, exciting species that teaches bite detection, feeding rhythm and pole control in one brilliant waterside session.

Read the blog
Crucian Carp Fishing for Junior Anglers: A Waterside Guide to Catching Somerset&#039;s Most Mysterious Pond Fish Guide
28 Jun 2026 1 min read

Crucian Carp Fishing for Junior Anglers: A Waterside Guide to Catching Somerset's Most Mysterious Pond Fish

Discover the art of Crucian Carp fishing for junior anglers at Summerhayes. A gentle, rewarding method that teaches patience, float reading...

Read the guide
Your First Junior Angling Session: A Parent&#039;s Guide to the Waterside Blog
21 Jun 2026

Your First Junior Angling Session: A Parent's Guide to the Waterside

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.

Read the blog
Summer Fishing at Summerhayes: What Junior Anglers Can Expect This Season Blog
15 Jun 2026

Summer Fishing at Summerhayes: What Junior Anglers Can Expect This Season

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.

Read the blog
How the Under-16 Social Media Ban Could Change the Future of Junior Angling Blog
15 Jun 2026

How the Under-16 Social Media Ban Could Change the Future of Junior Angling

Yesterday’s announcement that the UK Government will ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms could have far-reaching conse...

Read the blog
View All Blogs & Guides

ANGLING ALLIES

Club Supporters & Partners

We're grateful to work alongside the organisations who share our mission — community groups, schools, fisheries and angling bodies across Somerset.

Ready to Get Your Child Fishing?

Register for this month's Wednesday course, or start with a free 1-to-1 taster session — either way, everything is provided and it costs nothing.

Register for This Month's Course
🎣

All tackle & bait provided

✅

Qualified Angling Trust coaches

💷

100% free sessions

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