It is no secret that junior participation in angling has been dwindling in recent years, with many pointing the finger at technology and other means of entertainment taking the focus away from spending time outdoors. Not only this, but with the rising cost of angling and many parents working longer hours, they often don't find the time to get on the bank, or simply struggle to afford the tackle.
Rather than simply lament the situation, two lifelong anglers, Steven Mumby and Jordan Clarkson, have decided to try and help encourage the youth of this generation back out onto the bank by offering free tuitions, as well as supplying the kids with everything they need to get out fishing. After initially seeking support from local shops and organisations, they chose to set up their own initiative, Start 2 Fish with the focus to help keep young people out of trouble and introduce them to the many benefits and joys of angling.
Having experienced incredibly difficult times themselves, the duo are all too aware of the dangers that come with following the wrong path, and how deteriorating mental health can affect even the strongest of mindsets.
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Speaking to Steven earlier this week, you could hear his passion and enthusiasm for the project and he shared what inspired him and Jordan to set up Start 2 Fish:
"I’ve fished all my life, and I can honestly say that after the last few years, if I didn’t have fishing, I wouldn’t be here," he told us.
"Up until a few years ago, I was a successful businessman, but everything changed after a lengthy divorce, the loss of both of my parents, and eventually losing my home. It was an incredibly difficult time, and I know firsthand how quickly your mental state can spiral."
"Thankfully, I’m getting back on my feet now, and that’s entirely down to fishing. As most anglers will know it gives you time to reflect, reset, and calm the mind. I was on all sorts of medication for depression and anxiety, but I’ve come off everything, and I’ve got fishing to thank for that."
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The other founder, Jordan, was unfortunately stabbed a few years ago and is very lucky to be alive today. Left with life-changing injuries, fishing is one of the few sports he can still enjoy and that he does, with some incredible carp to his name. Together, he and Steven are passionate about helping young people avoid the negative influences that can so easily take hold of their lives, while providing strong role models who have experienced real adversity and come through the other side.
"The younger generation are a product of their environment, and we want to be there to explain that following the wrong path isn’t wise, and it very often ends the same way," Steven explained.
"It means the world to us to see kids smiling when they’re out on the bank with us. Often, they either don’t know how to get started in fishing or aren’t allowed to fish certain venues without an adult present and we’re here to help bridge that gap."
Despite only starting recently, the pair have already had great success introducing plenty of young anglers to the sport. One standout case involved a young man who had recently been placed in foster care. His foster mum brought him along to one of the sessions, hoping to spark some interest, as he had been very quiet and withdrawn since moving in.
"When he first turned up, he was incredibly shy, but after some encouragement, we got him set up for a day on the float. After a few hours of catching smaller fish, he hooked and landed a big tench, which he was absolutely made up about," Steven recalled.
"When his mum came to pick him up, he immediately asked if he could come back the next morning, which he did. Speaking to his mum the following day, she couldn’t believe the difference just one fishing session had made to his enthusiasm and personality at home."
"It was a very emotional moment for both of us, and his mum was quite tearful, in a good way, seeing how positively he had responded to spending some time on the bank."
"This is what it’s all about for me and Jordan, hearing that they’ve had a great time and want to keep fishing is all we can ask for."
Of course, we all know how expensive fishing can be, and while Steven and Jordan give their time freely, donations of tackle and bait are always welcome. If you’re in the Doncaster/Wakefield area, or would like to support from further afield, you can reach out to the team via the Start2Fish Facebook page.
