All the highest sports activities stars taking on fishing to wind down from high-pressure careers
You could say that fishing is the antidote to the internet. It’s slow, it’s quiet and there’s no electricity involved. You even get to go outside – a rare enough treat in our chronically online society.
So is it any wonder the sport has been growing in popularity? Thousands of young people are now getting hooked, according to the Angling Trust, which saw 48,000 13- to 16-year-olds register for their own rod licences in 2024.
That’s 23% more than the previous year, with even younger anglers often tagging along, although under-13s don’t need a licence. Fans say the pastime helps them feel in touch with nature, reducing stress and easing anxiety.
Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have won fans with their fishing series(Image: BBC/Owl Power/Jonathan Jakob)
Many were inspired to pick up a rod by the BBC show Gone Fishing, which sees Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer share deep conversations at the waterside.
But the comedians are not the only stars with a fondness for a fishing trip. Here Meg Jorsh reels in a few more from the world of sports…
David Beckham shows off his salmon in Iceland(Image: MDM)
David Beckham
Becks is a keen angler, who’s been known to share photos of his best catches on social media. For his 50 th birthday last year, he enjoyed a fishing trip to Scotland with his younger sons, Romeo and Cruz.
David admitted to having “missed” estranged eldest son Brooklyn, who snubbed the getaway in the wake of their ongoing feud. The duo would previously go fishing as a chance to spend “bonding time” together.
The former England captain has also been spotted fishing for salmon in Iceland, with director pal Guy Ritchie, and during a family trip to Norway.
Anthony Joshua’s carp is a knockout(Image: FACEBOOK)
Anthony Joshua
The former world heavyweight champ – seen here showing off a catch in 2017 – is a fan of carp fishing.
He got into the sport thanks to promoter Barry Hearn, who described taking the boxer out fishing for the first time on his podcast.
Barry said: “He was screaming ‘What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?’ I said ‘you knock people out for a living. You’re frightened of a fish?’
He’s not scared any more though, if recent evidence is anything to go by. Last year he landed an incredible 42lb carp.
Luke Littler (R) takes part in a fishing challenge(Image: @lukethenukelittler / Instagram)
Luke Littler
The world No.1 loves reeling in Big Fish checkouts whenever he is on a darts stage. And he’s due to swap arrows for fishing rods next week at the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship.
It’s his third year taking part in the charity event, despite having “never fished in his life” before his first appearance in 2024. And he’s clearly caught the bug, as fans could see from his appearance in last year’s Netflix series Matchroom: The Greatest Showman.
Tony Bellew started fishing for a TV show
Tony Bellew
The boxing legend first swapped the ring for the riverbank in 2018, for hit ITV4 show The Big Fish Off. He took on his trainer Dave Coldwell, with the help of angling heavyweights Dean Macey and Ali Hamidi.
Dave has since said the outing was the “first and only time” he would go fishing, adding: “Tony Bellew scarred me for life!” But Tony is now a regular face at the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship.
Seaman by name, seaman by nature
David Seaman
With a name like that, is it any surprise the ex-England goalie loves fishing?
David has been involved in the sport since the age of 22 – and last year made a surprise appearance on the BBC’s Countryfile to show off his fly-fishing skills. He frequently appears at charity fishing events.
He says: “It’s just great being out and away – that’s where the love of fishing came from, just being out. And you don’t always have to catch. You can still enjoy it even if you don’t catch a big fish.”
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Phil Foden
Manchester City star Phil Foden is a big fan of fishing, using it to escape the intense pressure of professional football.
He was seen showing off a huge carp last month, during a trip to the Norton Disney fishing site in Lincolnshire with pals.
Talking about the hobby, he says: “When people find out they say ‘what a weird sport to enjoy.’ They don’t understand why you enjoy it.
“Obviously, they need to go and try it. I think it’s the perfect hobby to rest your legs and have some down time.”
- The Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship – the UK’s biggest and most prestigious annual charity fishing event – takes place at Tunnel Barn Farm, Warwick, on Tuesday, July 28.
- This year’s 32 celeb competitors include darts champion Luke Littler, England and Arsenal legend David Seaman and boxing royalty Tony Bellew. They will split into eight teams of four and compete to be crowned team and singles champions.
- The event will be broadcast on ITV later this summer. For more information, head to www.sportstarfishing.co.uk
