Devon Young Fishers - Catching the next generation

Aim: Giving young people in Devon the chance to fish, learn sea safety, and explore maritime careers—out on the water, not just in a classroom.

🌊 Who We Are

We’re Devon Young Fishers CIC, a not-for-profit organisation based in Salcombe. Our team is made up of fishers, youth workers, educators, and parents who care deeply about giving young people safe, inspiring access to the sea.

We run sea-based training for 11–16 year olds, helping them learn how to fish, stay safe at sea, and build confidence through real-life experience. We’ve already supported over 70 young people—and we want to reach even more.

🎣 Why This Matters

Many local young people—especially those from rural or low-income backgrounds—don’t get the chance to connect with the coast beyond the beach. Commercial fishing vessels can’t legally take under-16s, which leaves a big gap in early training.

Our courses fill that gap. Young people fish from charter boats with qualified skippers, learn about marine life, sustainability, and even prepare and cook their catch. We want to ensure the fishing industry remains strong for generations to come. 

They come away with practical skills, self-belief, and a new sense of purpose.

🚀 Our Vision

We want every young person in Devon to feel they belong at sea, whether their future is in fishing, marine science, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

We’re now ready to expand into more ports across Devon, working with local skippers and communities to open up new opportunities for coastal youth.

Our goal is to grow our reach, train more youth mentors, and advocate nationally for better youth access to the sea.

💬 What Young People Say

“I didn’t think I was good at anything until I did this.” — Jack, 14
“It showed me that science isn’t just labs. It’s real. And it’s out there.” — Evie, 15

💷 How We'll Use Your Support

We’re raising funds to cover the cost of chartered boats, so our young people can get safely out to sea in ports around Devon.
Here’s what your donation can support:

up to £200: Equipment and resources / Single lessons for a Young Person

• £240: One young person on a 6-week course

• £320: A boat trip for 8 young people

• £1,920: Full course for 8 young fishers

• £10,000: Two full boats + two months of delivery!

All donations go straight into equipment, boat hire, and programme delivery—not admin.

🐟 Help Us Cast the Net Wider

We’ve seen the difference this makes. One boat at a time, we’re changing lives. With your help, we can expand across Devon—and give more young people the chance to learn, grow, and thrive at sea.

Thank you 💙

FISHING BUNDLE GIVEAWAY!

Everyone who donates will be entered into a competition to win*:

A top-quality Rod & Reel combo

Sidewinder Lures

Devon Young Fishers T-Shirt

2-hour fishing lesson with our crew

... Plus other fishing goodies!

Whether you donate £10 or £240+, you’ll make a difference.

💛 Under £240 = support individual lessons, resources & kit

💛 Over £240 = sponsor a full 6-week course for a Young Fisher

*Competition ends when the target is reached.  Winner will be selected at random and contacted within 48 hours of draw. Giveaway prize value circa £200, cannot be exchanged for cash.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 16th August 2025 at 12:24pm