Angling Mentors: Fishing group explodes in popularity as owner says it's open to 'every young person'
Published 27th July 2026
“Every young person faces challenges.
Some are visible; many are not.”
A group that connects young people with veteran anglers has exploded in popularity, according to the owner.
As previously reported by The News, Gosport fisherman Shane Davies left his job to focus on Angling Mentors full-time, matching up children with special educational needs with anglers, who volunteer their time to teach angling, fly fishing and more on a regular basis.
Since doing so, there has been a significant increase in the number of people showing an interest in taking up angling with him, all from a variety of backgrounds.
The 56-year-old said: “Angling Mentors is not defined by labels. Yes, we support young people with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and a range of additional needs. However, our work is about much more than that.
Every young person faces challenges. Some are visible; many are not.
“Our sessions bring together young people and older volunteers in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn
a new skill, develop confidence, and build genuine relationships. Through fishing, participants gain an appreciation for nature, improve communication skills, and experience the value of patience and perseverance.
We live in a society that increasingly looks for labels to explain why people think, feel, or behave differently.
Diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning difficulties can be valuable in helping individuals understand themselves and access support. However, there is a danger that labels can become the first thing we see rather than the person standing in front of us.
“My own childhood took place long before many of these labels were widely recognised or applied.
Looking back, some professionals may well have attached several diagnoses to me. Yet what I needed most was not a label. I needed stability, understanding, positive role models, and opportunities to build confidence and self-worth.”
Over the past few years, the group has co-ordinated trips throughout the Solent region and beyond, teaming up with
local angling clubs and even going to Lakedown Fishery, owned by The Who frontman, Roger Daltrey.
Shane started a GoFundMe page to help his full-time venture, raising more than £600 at the time of publication.
His love of fishing came from an early age, while he found himself in the foster care system.
He added: “Standing on the water's edge, learning to cast a line and waiting patiently for a bite, I discovered something I had never experienced before: peace. Fishing gave me time to think, time to breathe, and time to connect with people who expected nothing from me except that I enjoyed the day
“My love of angling began there, but more importantly, it was the beginning of my journey to a better life.
“Fishing may seem like a simple pastime, but for many of us, it is much more than that.
It is friendship, therapy, education, community, and hope.
“Most importantly, it is proof that sometimes the smallest opportunities can have the biggest impact on a life.