Inspiring the Next Generation at Rackerhayes
Crikey, so far it’s been a busy summer with plenty going on within the catchment. This week, I’d like to reflect and go back to an Angling Trust ‘Get Fishing’ event. It was a great day spent introducing new people to Fly Fishing…
On a sunny and promising Saturday - August 2nd - the tranquil waters of the Rackerhayes Fishing Complex in Newton Abbot came alive with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable thrill of discovery. It wasn’t just the gentle flick of fly lines over glistening lakes that caught the eye, but the shared sense of purpose among a community of anglers determined to pass on their passion to the next generation.
This was no ordinary fishing event, however. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of TACA members and John Hern of Kennick Fly Fishers, in partnership with the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing campaign, the Rackerhayes complex transformed into an open, welcoming classroom for aspiring anglers of all ages.
A Day of Discovery
From early morning to late afternoon, the event welcomed families from across Devon and beyond - mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandparents - all curious and eager to try something new. Together, we worked with around 50 youngsters throughout the day, guiding them through the fundamentals of fly casting and then giving them the chance to put their new skills to the test on one of the complex’s lakes.
Youngsters were showing the adults how it’s done by tempting the lake’s small Perch to take nymphs!
Under the expert tuition of dedicated volunteers, children and parents learned not only how to cast a fly rod but also how to respect the environment they were entering. The setting could not have been more perfect - peaceful surroundings, wall-to-wall sunshine, supportive mentors, and the joy of seeing a fly rod flex for the first time.
More Than Just Fishing
At its heart, this wasn’t just about teaching people how to fish. It was about connection. Watching grandparents cast alongside their grandchildren, or seeing a nervous youngster gain confidence in casting their first loop, reminded us why we do this. Angling, and in particular, Fly Fishing is more than a pastime - it’s a tradition, a chance to bond with nature, and a way to connect across generations.
An entire family, mother, father and son bringing energy, curiousity and enthusiam — TACA’s own Neil Yeandle offering some tuition.
For many of the young participants, this was their first experience with fly fishing - a discipline often seen as technical or exclusive. But through the patient and passionate guidance of the TACA and Kennick Fly Fishers team, those barriers fell away. Children who had never held a rod were roll casting and hitting casting targets by the end of the day. Confidence bloomed. Curiosity deepened.
The Ripple Effect
Events like these plant seeds. Each cast made by a youngster on Saturday could one day lead to a lifetime of angling adventure. And that’s exactly the goal. By making fly fishing accessible, fun, and unintimidating, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of this amazing pastime.
As part of the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing initiative, this event is one of many designed to grow the angling community by making it inclusive and inviting. The more we can create spaces like this - where newcomers feel welcomed, guided, and encouraged - the more likely we are to see our rivers and lakes alive with anglers for generations to come.
A massive Thank You
To everyone who joined us, thank you. Your enthusiasm, questions, and open-heartedness made the event a success. To John Hern and the TACA volunteers who gave their time, energy, and expertise: your efforts are shaping the future of fly fishing in the UK one cast at a time!
I even had time to get in on the Perch action - After confessing to be shown how to do it properly by someone far younger than me!!!
And to anyone reading this who has ever considered picking up a fly rod - do it. Join us at the next event. Bring your children. Bring your parents. Whether you're eight or eighty, there’s a place for you on the bank. Together, let’s keep casting forward.