John Wilson’s daughter Lisa launches project to get kids fishing
Disadvantaged kids and adults to benefit
THE daughter of Britain’s best-loved angler is set to follow in her late father’s footsteps.
The ‘John Wilson Fishing Enterprise’ is the brainchild of Lisa Wilson, and will see thousands of juniors introduced to fishing for the very first time.
The mother of four, a highly qualified social worker, is passionate about improving the lives of children and young adults currently under the social care umbrella.
She believes there’s an opportunity for fishing to open doors previously closed to them.
Lisa told Angling Times: “The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise will provide fishing opportunities that will give disadvantaged children and young adults the chance to connect with the outdoors.
“It will provide therapy through the art of fishing, as well as giving the additional option of ‘bushcraft’ activity.
“There are so many ways that fishing can have a huge impact on their lives.
“Interaction with coaches and other angling participants can help improve communication, as well as giving them the chance to learn through practical experience – not to mention the ultimate reward of landing a fish!
“My dad loved to pass on knowledge and was passionate about educating as many people as possible about fishing, so I’m very proud to be continuing his legacy and to be raising awareness of mental health issues at the same time.”
The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise will initially focus on Lisa’s home county of Norfolk, where she is now working alongside local fisheries, authorities and government organisations to bring her initiative to life – although it’s clear she also has her eye on wider development.
“I’m really passionate about growing the JWFE, and in the future I would like to see it running nationally – making this a part of social care for more young children,” she added.
“I also see this as beneficial to others, such as adults with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as vulnerable people who are often isolated and lonely but are still able to take
part in an activity like fishing.”
To bolster her fishing knowledge for the enterprise Lisa has begun training for her Level One coaching certificate, and has even become an ambassador for the Angling Trust.
Her move has been widely welcomed by officials across the angling community, among whom was Jamie Cook, the incoming Chief Executive for the Angling Trust.
He said: “Angling is the gateway to the outdoors and can provide young people with so many skills and opportunities both on and off the bank.
“John Wilson was a huge influence on thousands of anglers, as well as myself as I grew up.
“Lisa’s approach is a fantastic legacy for John, and I am hugely appreciative to her for her work in this much-needed area.”