About Summerhayes Juniors Club
Inspiring the Next Generation of Anglers

About Our Club: A Legacy of Learning & Fishing

Founded in 2013, our club has been dedicated to providing young anglers with an inclusive, educational, and supportive environment to develop their fishing skills. With a focus on coarse fishing education, we ensure that juniors gain a well-rounded angling experience, benefiting not only their technique but also their mental well-being and connection with nature.

Explore Our Courses

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 programs, many children were introduced to fishing but lacked an opportunity to continue their development in a club environment. To bridge this gap, the club was created—offering a welcoming space where juniors could learn, progress, and develop a lifelong passion for angling.

In 2015, we became an Angling Trust member, ensuring that our coaching programs met the highest standards and adhered to best practices. Since then, we have remained committed to delivering top-quality coaching and maintaining an inclusive, supportive, and educational environment for young anglers.

Our Home at Summerhayes Fisheries

Most of our activities take place at Summerhayes Fisheries, a premier commercial coarse fishing venue owned and managed by Peter and Sally Wakeling. Their generous support has made Summerhayes the heart of our club for over a decade, providing young anglers with an ideal location to learn and grow. The venue offers five different lakes, each presenting unique fishing experiences that cater to a wide range of skill levels. Our designated coaching area at Denny’s Lake features purpose-built disabled access platforms, ensuring that all anglers, regardless of ability, can fully participate. Summerhayes is also the only fishery in the region registered with the Somerset Wildlife Trust, reinforcing our shared commitment to conservation and sustainability. With easy access from the M5 and Bridgwater town center, ample parking, and on-site facilities including food and disabled-access toilets, Summerhayes is the perfect place for young anglers to develop their skills in a safe and welcoming environment.

Our Ethos: Inclusivity, Education & Lifelong Learning

Our club is built on a foundation of inclusivity, education, and lifelong learning. We believe that angling is for everyone—regardless of age, background, or experience—and we are committed to creating opportunities for all to enjoy the sport. Our coaching programs are designed to go beyond simply teaching children how to fish—we strive to build their confidence, resilience, and understanding of the natural world. Unlike some organizations that focus on numbers, we prioritize quality over quantity. We would rather see a small group of young anglers complete a course with confidence and independence than rush large numbers through a basic program with limited understanding. To support this ethos, our learning pathways are progressive—we encourage participants to repeat courses, build their skills, and develop at their own pace. Whether a child is completely new to fishing or looking to master advanced techniques, we provide individualized learning plans to help them succeed.

Expanding Our Focus: A More Well-Rounded Angling Education

While we have historically introduced juniors to a variety of fishing disciplines, we are now focusing on ensuring that they receive a well-rounded coarse fishing education. Our goal is to equip young anglers with a strong foundation in all aspects of coarse fishing, giving them the skills, confidence, and knowledge to enjoy angling for life. Through partnerships with Wessex Water, Bridgwater and Taunton Angling Association, and other fisheries, we provide access to a variety of waters, including the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, local drains, and lakes. By exposing juniors to different fishing environments, we ensure they develop adaptability and a broad understanding of angling techniques.

Angling & Mental Wellbeing: The Bigger Picture

Fishing is more than just a sport—it is a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. With many young people facing the pressures of modern life, fishing offers a unique opportunity to: 

  • Reduce stress & anxiety – Spending time outdoors by the water provides a calming escape from everyday worries. 
  • Improve focus & patience – Fishing teaches concentration, problem-solving, and resilience. 
  • Encourage social connection – Our club fosters friendships and a sense of community among young anglers. 
  • Promote a healthy, active lifestyle – Angling encourages outdoor activity and appreciation for nature. 

By integrating mental well-being into our coaching programs, we aim to help young anglers develop not just as fishermen, but as confident and well-rounded individuals.

Expert Coaching & Year-Round Learning

Angling is a sport that can be enjoyed year-round, and we offer coaching tailored to all seasons and fishing disciplines. Our qualified and experienced coaches provide personalized instruction, ensuring that each young angler gets the support they need. Unlike most sports, fishing offers a level playing field where coaching is as much about personal growth as it is about skill development. 

A typical session includes just 30 minutes of technical instruction, followed by hands-on fishing practice, allowing participants to learn through experience. For those who are particularly enthusiastic or looking to specialize, we offer advanced workshops and winter programs, covering topics such as: 

  • Match Fishing – Strategies for competitive angling. 
  • Carp Fishing – Understanding carp behavior and bait presentation. 
  • Fly Fishing – Casting techniques and fly selection. 
  • Lure Fishing – Targeting predators with artificial lures. 
  • Sea Fishing – Expanding knowledge beyond freshwater angling. 

Through these specialist workshops, we ensure that every child, regardless of their angling interests, has the chance to explore new challenges and refine their skills.

The Future of Our Club

As we move forward, our club remains committed to: 

  • Providing a well-rounded coarse fishing education. 
  • Ensuring inclusivity & accessibility for all young anglers. 
  • Expanding our coaching programs & partnerships. 
  • Supporting mental well-being through fishing. 
  • Reintroducing competitive junior matches & growing our community. 

We believe that angling has the power to shape young lives, offering not only a lifelong hobby but also a sense of belonging, achievement, and personal growth. With the continued support of our partners, volunteers, and community, we are excited to welcome more young anglers into the club and inspire the next generation of fishermen and women. If you share our passion for angling and want to get involved—whether as a coach, volunteer, or supporter—we’d love to hear from you! Together, let’s continue building a thriving and inclusive angling community. 🎣💙

Stay in the Loop!

Sign up to get the latest updates on upcoming events, competitions, coaching sessions, and more from your club.