Connecting hearts, minds, and nature.
Putting those we support at the heart of everything we do.
Everyone deserves a moment of peace, pride, and possibility — we find it at the water’s edge.
About
Our Story: More Than Just Fishing
Cast and Connect is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company which provides inclusive fishing coaching sessions for children (including SEND), families, and adults. We use freshwater angling as a tool for learning, wellbeing, and community engagement.
Our approach is catch and release, and we promote fish welfare by teaching everyone how to catch, handle, and release fish safely. We also teach respect for the environment and surrounding wildlife, so that fishing supports both people and nature.
Fishing offers a unique combination of sensory engagement, structured activity, and peaceful surroundings — ideal for those who benefit from routine, patience, and a break from overstimulating environments. Through angling, participants build confidence, improve focus, and gain a sense of achievement as they learn to bait, cast, and land fish, often for the very first time.
But Cast and Connect is about more than just fishing, it's about:
- building friendships
- encouraging communication
- creating memorable shared experiences in nature
- fostering emotional wellbeing and resilience
- a sense of belonging in a community that understands and celebrates difference.
Everyone deserves a moment of peace, pride, and possibility — we find it at the water’s edge.
What We Do
Safe Spaces. Skilled Coaching. Real Growth.
Inclusive Fishing Coaching Sessions
Delivering coaching sessions for children and young people, including those from low-income families and those with SEND. Sessions are led by a Level 2 Angling Event Lead Coach, and all equipment is provided.
Family Fishing Coaching Days
Delivering fishing coaching sessions where families can participate together in a relaxed, safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Reel Education
Reel Education is a FREE whole school enrichment activity based on the national curriculum that aims to encourage children across the country to value Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas. It also aims to get children and their families to consider getting involved in the sport of Angling.
Future Projects
Building Stronger Communities Through Angling
Wellbeing Through Angling
Our Wellbeing session will be delivered in line with the Angling Trusts "Get Fishing for Wellbeing Project", each session is carefully structured around the needs of the person — offering calm, meaningful activity that supports recovery, reduces stress, and promotes wellbeing.
Fishing is a low-impact, accessible physical activity that encourages time spent outdoors in calm, natural settings. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, and boost mood through regular engagement with nature. Children develop fine and gross motor skills through baiting, casting, and handling equipment, while also learning patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. The peaceful rhythm of angling supports emotional regulation and provides a safe space for reflection and growth. Being outdoors also promotes better sleep, increased vitamin D, and general physical health — all essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
Finding calm, confidence, and connection through the gentle rhythm of fishing.
Training and Development
We’re committed to growing the next generation of coaches and volunteers. Cast and Connect offers training, mentoring, and access to accredited qualifications, helping individuals gain practical teaching experience and employable skills.
A skilled, confident workforce ensures that local children and adults receive safe, high-quality learning experiences and that angling continues to thrive as an inclusive, accessible sport.
Empowering the next generation of coaches to inspire through angling.
Pathways to Employment
For young people who have participated in our programmes, Cast and Connect provides pathways into coaching, volunteering, or employment within the angling and outdoor education sectors.
These opportunities develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills — creating positive role models and helping to sustain the future of community-based angling.
From learner to leader — turning passion for fishing into purpose and opportunity.
Curriculum-Aligned Angling Courses
We’re developing structured angling courses that link directly to the national school curriculum.
Through these programmes, schools can integrate subjects such as maths, science, geography, and environmental studies into hands-on, outdoor learning. Pupils benefit from increased engagement, practical experience, and transferable skills, while teachers receive resources and support to deliver meaningful outdoor education.
Where learning meets the outdoors — bringing education to life through angling.
