With the rising cost of everything in the world, fishing tackle is no exception. A full setup can run into the hundreds, if not thousands, depending on what you are purchasing. With dwindling junior participation in the sport as it is, the additional cost of tackle for young people or their parents could be another reason we see fewer young anglers joining our beloved sport.
Wayne Gray, who runs Bournemouth Fishing Lodge for his son, is one angler on a mission to ensure he can get as many new anglers into the sport as possible by giving free setups to children and teens to kickstart their angling journey.
So far, through his tackle donation scheme, Wayne and Bournemouth Fishing Lodge have given away 80 complete sets worth hundreds of pounds, tailoring them to the style of angling the recipient enjoys most, whether that be general coarse, carp, or sea fishing.
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"We originally started the scheme to give underprivileged kids a chance to go fishing with decent gear that they would be unable to afford, with the premise that it would get them away from their Xbox and into this amazing sport we all love," Wayne explained to us.
"Now we give gear to anyone who shows enthusiasm and just needs a helping hand, as we know how expensive fishing tackle can be."
Speaking to Wayne, his enthusiasm for getting young anglers into fishing was infectious. He explained that if every tackle shop in the country could donate even just one set of tackle, the number of anglers entering the sport would increase drastically.
"When we started the scheme, we weren't sure how it would go, but the fishing community is incredibly generous. As soon as we posted to Facebook about the first setup we gave away, people were really forthcoming with their tackle donations," he said.
"While it does take a bit of organizing to get the donation scheme up and running, once it is and people are aware they can drop off tackle they no longer need for the good of other anglers, the scheme runs itself."
"In fact, we’ve just built a small unit to house all the donations, and so far this year we have already given away 12 full setups, which can all be seen on our Facebook page."
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This Saturday, 7th September 2024, there will be a sale outside the shop in support of the U16s England Sea Fishing Team, with everything available from rods to bivvies. Wayne will be accepting fair donations, with all the money going to fund the team.
"We have everything available, with all the proceeds going to help fund our national U16s team."
Wayne explained that the shop has become a hub for anglers who want to donate tackle to help others. He also mentioned that people who have lost loved ones or can no longer fish want to do something good with the tackle they can no longer use.
"It’s really humbling every time somebody comes in with some tackle to help others. Regardless of whether it’s a high-end item or just some terminal tackle, it all helps and has the same effect in bringing a smile to the young anglers who need it."
"Once we have a full setup, we let the parents know to bring their child in, but on the premise that they don't tell them, so it’s a surprise when they arrive at the shop," he added.
"If we’re short of a chair or another piece of tackle, we will often buy it ourselves to add to the setup, just to make sure they aren’t lacking anything."
"Such is the support renowned rod builder Gary Allen will repair rods for free for our young anglers, or donated tackle that is broken. Mike Hall also helping repair and service reels for us, further proving anyone is willing to give up their time if the scheme is there."
We, as a community, are aware of the declining participation of juniors in the sport, and schemes like this really promote angling in a positive light, helping to introduce more young people to it. We can all do more to help sustain the sport for future generations, and initiatives like this prove that if we all come together, we can ensure our sport remains supported for years to come.
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