17/07/2026
Some of my happiest memories are by the water with a fishing rod in my hand. This weekend, I bought Erin her very first fishing rod, and we spent some time "practising"... although if I'm honest, there was probably more playing than fishing!
Growing up, I didn't have anyone around me who hunted, fished, foraged or lived that way. Learning those skills wasn't always easy, and I had to figure out much of it myself.
But there is one person I will always be grateful to—my mum. She had no interest in fishing herself, yet she never once complained about the early mornings, the long drives, or waiting for hours while I sat by a river or lake. She simply saw something her son loved and did everything she could to help me follow that passion. Looking back now, I realise just how much those small acts of kindness meant, and I honestly don't think I'd have the love for the outdoors that I do today without her. Thank you, Mum.
Now it's my turn.
Whether Erin grows up to love fishing or decides it's not for her, I want her to have the opportunity to experience it. I want her to understand where food comes from, to appreciate nature, to respect wildlife, and to know that food doesn't simply appear on supermarket shelves.
These moments aren't really about catching fish. They're about spending time together, making memories, learning patience, and passing on skills that have been part of human life for thousands of years.
Here's to many more adventures together—even if most of them involve tangled line, missed casts, and plenty of laughter.
