Martyn Page – Chairman and Founder, Angling Direct
Fishing has been in my blood since I was a young boy some 56 years ago. Back then our rivers were full of fish and access for school kids to bountiful fishing was easy. How things have changed! Our rivers have deteriorated and youngsters do not have the same freedom to roam unsupervised anymore.
I have always been passionate in my belief that people can get so much benefit from fishing and that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy fishing successfully. I founded Angling Direct with that driving purpose and have been actively involved not only in education and promotion of angling but also protection of fish and fisheries for decades.
There has never been a greater need for anglers to unite to protect and improve the nation’s fish stocks and diversity. Nor for the need for organised and qualified support, education and coaching to help people enjoy the benefits of this amazing pastime. Fortunately, the Angling Trust has had a real renaissance in recent years and is achieving incredible success on behalf of angling, not only with promotion and education but also in battling environmental issues and improving fish stocks and fisheries.
It was therefore a privilege and honour to be invited to become an ambassador for the Angling Trust and my rallying call as I start this role is for all anglers to join and get behind the Angling Trust so that one united angling voice has the power, funds and support to maintain, improve and perhaps, one day, succeed in returning our waterways to the natural density and diversity of fish stocks that existed over 50 years ago.
