Most people fish to relax. We fish to stay afloat.

Mental health struggles don’t always end when the uniform comes off. Anxiety, depression and isolation can creep in quietly, and too many suffer in silence. We’ve seen first-hand among close fiends and fellow marines.

Time spent fishing gives something the military rarely allows: space. Space to slow down, talk, think and reset. The rhythm, the challenge, the connection with nature and the camaraderie have had a genuinely positive impact on our mental wellbeing. Angling is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for supporting the mental health of serving and former military personnel - and we want to give something back.

The Challenge

At the end of March two Royal Marines Commandos will be taking on an angling endurance challenge like no other.

Over five consecutive days , we’ll run five charity fishing matches across Somerset. After each match, we’ll load around 200 kg of kit and push it to the next venue. No vehicles. No shortcuts. Just grit, determination, and a trolley. Each night, we’ll sleep outside with our kit before doing it all again the next day.

The challenge starts at Plantations Lakes in Clevedon and will finish on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal on day five.

Most anglers know the struggle of carrying kit 100 metres from the car — so pushing it 10 miles a night should put things into perspective!

Why We’re Raising Money

All funds raised will go directly to the RMA - Royal Marines Charity, supporting serving and former Marines and their families when they need it most.

The fishing matches will raise money on the bank, this GoFundMe supports the endurance challenge itself. Every donation helps ensure those who’ve given so much don’t have to face their toughest battles alone.

Along the way, we’ll be joined by fellow anglers to share stories, conversations, and honest discussions about fishing, life and mental health — showing just how powerful angling can be as a lifeline.

Our Aim

• Raise vital funds for a cause that truly matters

• Shine a light on mental health within the military community

• Encourage more people to use angling to support their wellbeing

If this challenge helps even one person pick up a rod instead of suffering in silence, it will be worth every step.