Junior Guide: Your Complete Introduction to Fishing 🎣

Fishing is one of the most rewarding sports a young person can try. It’s calm, exciting, and full of surprises — and unlike many other sports, it doesn’t matter how tall, fast, or strong you are. All you need is patience, a little bit of guidance, and the chance to sit by the water and wait for that magical moment when a float dips or a rod bends. 

At Summerhayes Juniors, we believe fishing is for everyone. Whether you’ve never picked up a rod before or you already enjoy the outdoors, our junior programme is designed to help you learn safely, develop new skills, and most importantly — have fun. 

This guide is written for juniors and their parents, giving you everything you need to know about starting out in fishing. From the benefits of the sport to what you’ll need on your first day, we’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll understand why fishing has become one of the fastest-growing junior sports in the UK, and why so many young people are hooked for life.  

The Benefits of Fishing for Young People

Fishing may look simple, but the benefits go far beyond catching fish. Here are some of the key reasons juniors love it:

• Confidence building – Nothing beats the moment you catch your first fish. That sense of achievement carries over into other areas of life, helping you believe in your abilities.
• Patience and focus – Fishing teaches you to slow down, concentrate, and wait for the right moment. These are skills that can help in school and everyday life.
• Calmness and wellbeing – Sitting by the water is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Many juniors find fishing gives them a sense of peace they don’t get elsewhere.
• Outdoor learning – Fishing connects you with nature. You’ll learn about different fish species, water safety, and the importance of looking after the environment.
• Making friends – Our coaching sessions are a brilliant place to meet other young anglers. Many juniors form lasting friendships through fishing.
• A pathway to opportunities – From fun matches to representing your county or even your country, fishing can open doors. Some of our past juniors now compete at international level or have jobs in fisheries.

What You Need to Get Started

One of the best things about fishing is that you don’t need to spend lots of money to begin. At Summerhayes Juniors, we provide most of the equipment you’ll need during coaching sessions. Still, it’s useful to know the basics.

Clothing and Essentials

• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy
• Waterproofs in case of rain
• Sun cream and a hat for hot days
• A drink and a snack – fishing makes you hungry!
• Wellies or sturdy shoes that can handle wet ground

Fishing Tackle Basics

• Rod or pole – beginners often start with a short pole or whip, which is simple and easy to use
• Float and line – this is what helps you spot when a fish is biting
• Hooks – small and barbless, to keep fish safe
• Bait – usually maggots, worms, or soft pellets
• Landing net – used to safely bring the fish in
• Keepnet (for matches) – where fish are held before being returned

As you improve, you might want your own kit. But don’t worry — we’ll advise you on the best options at the right time, so you don’t waste money on the wrong gear.

Your First Time on the Bank – What to Expect

Walking into a fishery for the first time can feel a bit daunting. That’s why our sessions are designed to make you feel welcome straight away. Here’s how a typical junior coaching session runs:

1. Arrive and sign in – Juniors check in with coaches and volunteers, parents can ask questions.
2. Safety talk – We go through water safety, fish care, and rules.
3. Set up your peg – A peg is your fishing spot. We’ll help you get everything ready.
4. Learn the basics – Baiting hooks, handling tackle, and how to spot bites.
5. Start fishing – With coaches nearby to guide you, you’ll get your first chance to cast or lower your float in.
6. Catch your first fish – The best moment! Coaches will show you how to land and return the fish safely.
7. Pack down – At the end, we tidy up together, making sure the area is left clean.

Every session is relaxed and fun. Some juniors catch fish straight away; others need a little patience. Either way, the experience is always exciting.

Learning the Basics of Fishing

 Fishing has been described as “simple to learn, but never-ending to master.” That’s why we teach the basics in a step-by-step way:

• Holding a rod or pole – balance, grip, and safety
• Baiting a hook – done carefully, with guidance at first
• Casting – the simple art of sending your bait into the water
• Watching your float – learning to read the signs of a bite
• Striking – gently lifting the rod to hook the fish
• Playing a fish – keeping calm while it pulls on the line
• Landing and unhooking – always done carefully to protect the fish

These skills are taught gradually so every junior can feel confident before moving on to more advanced techniques.

Looking After Fish & the Environment

 Fishing is about respect — for the fish, for nature, and for other anglers. At Summerhayes Juniors, we teach juniors to be responsible from day one.

• Barbless hooks only – these are kinder to fish and easier to remove
• Wet your hands before handling a fish, so you don’t damage its protective slime coat
• Use a soft landing net to bring fish in safely
• Return fish carefully to the water once caught
• Never leave litter – fishing line and hooks can be dangerous to wildlife
• Respect the environment – keep noise low, don’t disturb plants or animals

By learning these rules early, juniors grow into anglers who protect the sport for future generations.

Moving On: From Coaching to Match Fishing

Once you’ve learned the basics, the next step is trying a friendly match.

How a Fishing Match Works 

• Juniors sit on their own pegs, fishing for a set time (usually 2–4 hours)
• The goal is to catch as many fish as possible
• At the end, fish are weighed and carefully returned to the water
• The angler with the highest weight wins

Why Matches Help Juniors Improve

• They teach focus and time management
• They encourage problem-solving (choosing bait, depth, tactics)
• They build confidence in a fun, supportive environment

Many of our juniors who started in coaching sessions are now competing in regional and even national events. But matches at Summerhayes are always welcoming — everyone is cheered on, whether they win or not.

Stories of Success

Fishing can be the start of an incredible journey. Over the years, Summerhayes Juniors has seen:

• Beginners turn into champions – some of our juniors have gone on to represent England in youth teams.
• Careers launched – former members now work at fisheries, tackle shops, and within angling organisations.
• Personal growth – parents often tell us how fishing has transformed their child’s confidence, focus, or behaviour.

These stories prove that fishing is more than just a hobby — it’s a pathway to opportunities both on and off the water.

Parents’ Guide: How to Support Your Junior Angler

 Fishing is unique because it’s one of the few sports parents and children can enjoy together. Here’s how you can support your junior:

• Complete the parental consent form – essential for safety and allergies
• Stay and watch – many parents enjoy relaxing by the water while their child fishes
• Encourage patience – not every session will bring a big catch, but every session teaches something
• Help with equipment – once your child wants their own tackle, we can recommend what’s best for their age and level
• See the benefits – fishing often helps children who struggle in school, giving them an outlet to succeed

Getting Involved with Summerhayes Juniors

We run weekly coaching sessions every Wednesday evening at Summerhayes Fisheries. These sessions cover a variety of fishing styles, including pole, feeder, waggler, and ledger.

We also run courses and events throughout the year, giving juniors the chance to progress, take part in matches, and develop new skills.