INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANGLERS

About Summerhayes Juniors: A Decade of Getting Kids Fishing

Name: Summerhayes Juniors Club
Rating: 5

Founded in 2013 — Angling Trust member club since 2015

Free, structured coarse fishing coaching for ages 5–16

Home water: Summerhayes Fisheries, Bridgwater

Run entirely by volunteers and qualified coaches

Since 2013 we've been giving young anglers an inclusive, educational and supportive place to learn to fish — building skills, confidence and a lifelong connection with nature along the way.

See This Month's Course

OUR STORY

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community

Our club was founded in 2013 by Fishwish, in response to the growing demand for a structured pathway into fishing for young people. Through local community angling projects and school programmes, many children were being introduced to fishing — but had nowhere to continue their development. Summerhayes Juniors was created to bridge that gap: a welcoming club where juniors could learn, progress and develop a lifelong passion for angling.

In 2015 we became an Angling Trust member club, ensuring our coaching programmes meet the highest standards and follow best practice. Since then we have remained committed to delivering top-quality coaching in an inclusive, supportive and educational environment.Most of our activities take place at Summerhayes Fisheries, a premier commercial coarse fishery owned and managed by Peter and Sally Wakeling, whose generous support has made Summerhayes the heart of our club for over a decade. We also coach at working fisheries across Somerset including The Sedges, Viaduct, Avalon and Burton Springs.Today our focus is a well-rounded coarse fishing education — from whip and waggler to pole, feeder and bomb fishing — giving every junior strong foundations before they move on to more advanced techniques.

2013

Club founded

2015

Angling Trust member

100s

Of juniors coached

£0

Cost — always free

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Inclusivity, Education & Lifelong Learning

Angling is for everyone — regardless of age, background or experience. Everything we do is built on that belief.

🤝

Inclusive by Design

Every child is welcome, whatever their background, ability or experience — and cost is never a barrier, because everything we run is free.

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A Real Angling Education

A structured coarse fishing pathway — whip, waggler, pole, feeder and beyond — so juniors build proper foundations, not just a day out.

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Wellbeing First

Time by the water reduces stress and anxiety, builds focus and gives young people facing modern pressures somewhere to breathe.

🌿

Respect for Nature

Fish care, wildlife, habitats and water quality — our juniors learn to be stewards of the waters they fish.

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Expert Coaching, All Year

Qualified, experienced coaches deliver personalised instruction across every season — outdoors in summer, indoor workshops in winter.

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Building the Future

Expanding our programmes and partnerships so the next generation of anglers, fishery stewards and volunteers starts here.

Summerhayes Fisheries, Bridgwater — home water of Summerhayes Juniors

OUR HOME WATER

At Home on the Bank at Summerhayes Fisheries

Most of our coaching takes place at Summerhayes Fisheries in Bridgwater — a premier commercial coarse fishery owned and managed by Peter and Sally Wakeling. Their generous support has made Summerhayes the heart of our club for over a decade, giving young anglers a safe, well-managed water to learn on.

Well-stocked, safe and beginner-friendly lakes

Our summer base for the Wednesday Night Club

Supported by fisheries across Somerset — The Sedges, Viaduct, Avalon & Burton Springs

Join Us This Wednesday

What Families Say About Us

5/5 (6 reviews)

Real reviews from the parents and juniors who fish with us.

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!"”

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!"”

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 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!"”

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."”

Sarah Thompson, Parent

Come and Meet Us

The best way to get to know the club is to come along — register for this month's Wednesday course or book a free taster session.