I started fishing when I was five, standing in a river catching minnows on a whip (a graphite pole) and the sport has been my passion ever since. I’ve gone through phases of float fishing, ledgering, lure and fly fishing but what has always been consistent is that if there’s water around I’ll either be fishing it or dreaming about fishing it.

With age I’ve realised that, for me, catching fish is just one small element that draws me angling. I love the sport for the friendships it’s given me, the places it’s taken me, and the moments I’ve experienced. But more than that, these days for me fishing is an opportunity for reflection and replenishment that also connects me to nature in a way that I don’t get from walking or photography.

Beyond fishing I’ve enjoyed (and still do some) marketing communications, I am training as a psychodynamic counsellor and am primary carer for my children.

I would be delighted to hear from you, whether you want to:

• learn basic fishing skills;

• refresh your knowledge after time away from the sport;

• be guided on a local Hertfordshire chalkstream for trout and grayling; or

• simply want a trained listener and angling coach to sit alongside you.