Some discover passion by chance-Andrew found his by the water’s edge, rod in hand, and a grin on his face.
It all began at the tender age of seven, when weekend visits to his grandparents in Norfolk meant one thing-angling. His father would take him to the local pits, and before long, young Andrew was reeling in more than just fish-he was hooked for life. A few years later, his parents bought a house opposite a lake, increasing the opportunity for Andy to indulge in his hobby.
"For me, angling is the ultimate escape," Andrew says, with a smile that suggests he's already dreaming of his next trip to the River Wye. “There’s nothing quite like standing by a river at 6 am on a frosty February morning, the mist rising and the world still asleep."
It's not just about catching fish. Angling has given Andrew a space to switch off, a breath of fresh air-literally-and the opportunity to build friendships that have lasted decades. And when he wasn’t knee-deep in rivers, he was rolling up his sleeves in the club scene. Joining his local angling club at just 13, Andrew has held nearly every role there is-Membership Secretary (juggling 600+ members!), Match Captain, Assistant Treasurer, and eventually Chairman. It’s safe to say he didn't just grow up with angling; he grew with it. And his adventures haven’t been limited to UK shores. From sea fishing in Florida to casting lines in the lakes of Thailand, Andrew's fishing rods have seen more of the world than most passports. His current favourite? The River Wye in Hereford-where he gets the bonus of visiting his daughter at university while indulging in some riverside tranquillity.
Of course, it hasn't always been smooth casting. Over the years, he’s endured a few... let’s say memorable mishaps. A broken wrist from a slip on a weir, a car park tumble involving glass and stitches, and some DIY hook removals that would make even the bravest angler wince.
"But hey," he laughs, "you've got to take a few lows to truly appreciate the highs."
His proudest near-win? Placing second in a Sky Sports Fish’O’Mania qualifier. Close, but no televised glory-this time.
Today, Andrew's passion for angling remains as strong as ever. It's more than just a hobby. It's a lifestyle. A grounding force. A well-earned pause in a fast-paced world.
"Whether it's sea, coarse, or match fishing-every moment near the water resets me."
