Hooked for Life: How Fishing is Changing the Lives of Young People at Summerhayes Juniors

For many kids, especially those growing up in towns and cities, fishing might seem like something distant — an old-fashioned pastime that’s only for adults. But walk down to the lakeside on any given Wednesday during the season, and you’ll find the opposite is true. Laughter echoes across the bank as juniors gather around their coaches, rods in hand, eyes full of anticipation.

The club begins with the basics. Courses are structured so that even the youngest or newest participants can feel a sense of achievement early on. Whip fishing, a perfect introductory method, allows children to catch small fish quickly without needing reels or complex gear. It's simple, it's fun, and it's incredibly rewarding. That first fish — no matter how small — creates a memory that never fades.

And yes, there’s mud. Plenty of it. But the mess becomes part of the fun. Parents might grumble about the state of the car seats, but they know deep down that something important is happening here. Fishing teaches patience. It teaches observation, planning, and respect for the environment. It gives children space — both physically and mentally — to slow down, unplug, and just be.

Some of the most touching stories at Summerhayes Juniors come from parents who’ve seen their children grow in ways they never expected. Take Sam, for example — a shy 10-year-old who rarely spoke in school and often felt overwhelmed in busy social settings. When he first arrived at Summerhayes, he kept his hoodie up and his head down. But over a few weeks, things began to change.

He started asking questions. Then he started helping other kids with their gear. Eventually, he volunteered to speak at a club event, sharing his tips for choosing maggots (a highlight in any young angler’s career). Today, Sam is one of the most confident young members at the club — not just on the water, but in life.

It’s not a unique story. Fishing gives kids a sense of autonomy. Unlike many sports, they don’t have to compete for a ball or perform in front of a crowd. They learn at their own pace, supported but not pressured. Every fish caught is their own little win. And those wins, week after week, build into something remarkable: self-belief.

Community is at the heart of everything Summerhayes Juniors does. Parents aren’t just spectators — they’re part of the team. Many of them end up as helpers, tea-makers, bailiffs, or assistant coaches. Siblings cheer each other on. Coaches become mentors. And the bond between juniors is something truly inspiring to witness.

This spirit of togetherness was never more evident than during last year’s charity match. The event raised funds for local children’s mental health services, and the juniors took it incredibly seriously. They tied their own rigs, practiced for weeks, and even created their own homemade signs to raise awareness. On the day of the match, the atmosphere was electric. There were laughs, a few tears (mostly from the parents), and enough cake to sink a small boat.

But beyond the numbers and trophies, what stood out most was how the kids supported each other. One young angler, having lost a prized catch just before the weigh-in, was visibly gutted. Instead of celebrating their own catches, several of the others rallied around him — offering snacks, jokes, and eventually a group hug that would melt even the coldest of hearts.

While the club is all about fun, it’s also serious about education. Each course module is carefully designed to build on the last, progressing through different fishing methods like waggler, pole, feeder, and bomb fishing. Juniors learn to read the water, adapt to different weather conditions, and even tie their own hooklengths and rigs.

But the lessons go far beyond technique. Coaches regularly incorporate environmental awareness into sessions — teaching kids about fish species, ecosystems, and how to protect our waterways. There are talks on water safety, the importance of barbless hooks, and even discussions on the ethics of catch and release.

One parent summed it up beautifully: “It’s not just fishing. It’s life skills in disguise. My daughter’s learned more about patience, planning, and respect in a few months here than she has anywhere else.”

When the weather turns colder and the lakes grow quiet, you might think the club goes into hibernation. Not a chance. From November to May, the juniors head indoors to The Sedges Fishery in Bridgwater for warm, hands-on winter workshops.

These sessions cover everything from float-making and tackle maintenance to creating bait mixes and building rigs. It’s the perfect way to keep the energy going during the off-season. There’s always a buzz of activity, with juniors clustered around tables, focused and proud as they build gear that they’ll eventually use out on the lake.

These workshops have become a safe space during the winter months — a place where friendships grow, creativity flourishes, and the sense of community only strengthens.

As Summerhayes Juniors looks to the future, the excitement is palpable. Plans are in place to expand the coaching team, introduce more competitions, and build stronger links with local schools and youth organizations. The dream is simple: to give even more young people the chance to discover the joy of fishing — no matter their background, ability, or experience.

But for all the growth and ambition, the core values remain unchanged. Summerhayes Juniors will always be a place where kids can feel safe, supported, and inspired. A place where a simple rod and line can unlock a world of opportunity.

If you ever find yourself near the water on a Wednesday evening, listen closely. You might hear the gentle plop of a float, the rustle of bait boxes, and the giggles of kids celebrating their latest catch. You might even see a proud coach giving a quiet thumbs-up or a parent watching with a tear in their eye.

That’s the sound of something special.

That’s Summerhayes Juniors.