Founder of UK’s largest retailer becomes Angling Trust ambassador

The founder of the UK’s largest fishing tackle retailer is one of three new ambassadors appointed by the representative body for anglers in England and Wales.

Martyn Page (pictured), Chairman of Angling Direct, has accepted an invitation from the Angling Trust alongside match star Matt Godfrey and ‘fishing legend’ Bob Roberts.

Page said: “Fishing has been in my blood since I was a young boy some 56 years ago. Back then our rivers were full of fish and access for school kids to bountiful fishing was easy. How things have changed – our rivers have deteriorated and youngsters do not have the same freedom to roam unsupervised any more.

“I have always been passionate in my belief that people can get so much benefit from fishing and that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy fishing successfully. I founded Angling Direct with that driving purpose and have been actively involved not only in education and promotion of angling, but also protection of fish and fisheries for decades.

“There has never been a greater need for anglers to unite to protect and improve the nation’s fish stocks and diversity. Nor for the need for organised and qualified support, education and coaching to help people enjoy the benefits of this amazing pastime. Fortunately, the Angling Trust has had a real renaissance in recent years and is achieving incredible success on behalf of angling, not only with promotion and education, but also in battling environmental issues and improving fish stocks and fisheries.

“It was therefore a privilege and honour to be invited to become an ambassador for the Angling Trust and my rallying call as I start this role is for all anglers to join and get behind the Angling Trust so that one united angling voice has the power, funds and support to maintain, improve and perhaps, one day, succeed in returning our waterways to the natural density and diversity of fish stocks that existed over 50 years ago.”

Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook said he was looking forward to working with the new ambassadors “to promote, protect and develop the sport we all love.”

He added: “In Matt we have one of the most talented coarse competition anglers of his generation who has a passion for supporting youth participation. Martyn shares that passion and like me is focused on ensuring that we protect the environment for future generations.

“Bob has been hugely supportive since I joined the organisation and having worked with him directly on recent campaigns, I have found his knowledge, drive and dedication to be truly inspiring. All three bring a huge amount of expertise to the Angling Trust and we are lucky to have them on our side. 

“As we proved through COVID lockdowns, angling benefits from a strong, united representative body and having inspiring individuals promoting the work that myself and the team at the Angling Trust are doing across all areas of the sport helps us to build a stronger community.”