Members encouraged to try fishing to support their wellbeing
30 April 2025
The treasurer of Gwent Police angling club has spoken about the mental health benefits of fishing as he prepares to represent the Force in a regional competition.
PC Huw Bassett is encouraging officers and staff to give the sport a try amid falling numbers in the Force and across the country.
Huw, a Gwent Police Federation member, said the Force had a once thriving angling club with more than 20 members.
But that has dwindled to three, with Huw the only serving active member of the team.
Fly-fishing
He said: “There’s been a sharp decline in fly-fishing because the number of fisheries has fallen due of the cost of living and the cost of bringing on fish.
“We used to have half a dozen waters within 45 minutes, we’ve now probably got two.
“It’s the same with us. We used to have a strong team with more than 20 active members down to just three, and two of those are retired, a retired civilian and a retired officer.
“It’s such a shame. I’ve got four children aged 20 to six. They have all been brought up enjoying going fishing and it’s a really good family activity to do.”
Huw will take to the water at Clywedog Reservoir this Thursday to represent Gwent Police in the Police Sports UK (PSUK) regional fly-fishing competition.
Clywedog Reservoir will host the regional fly-fishing competition.
Credit: Gareth James/Geograph Britain and Ireland
It will involve competitors from Dyfed Powys, South Wales, and North Wales fishing for trout.
The day of competition takes place on Thursday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
A draw is made the night before and each angler will be paired in a boat with a competitor from another force.
The winner team is the one that catches the most fish. If two teams catch the same number, then the one that caught their first two fish the earliest in the day is the winner.
The top 15 anglers at the event will qualify to represent Wales against teams from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland police at Lough Corrib in Galway later in the year.
Competition
Huw said: “I’m really looking forward to it.
“It will be my first time out fishing on a boat in competition since this time last year.
“It’ll be great to see friends from the other forces who I’ve known for years. It’s the only chance we get to catch up with each other.
“Clywedog Reservoir is the best fishery in Wales. Not just for the fish it produces but the scenery as well.
“It’s stunning with red kites galore. It’s long and narrow with arms reaching off it.
“You can be surrounded by boats one minute and the next no-one in sight.”
Mental wellbeing
Huw said that tranquillity was one of the reasons he found fishing beneficial for mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
“Fishing is so good for your mental wellbeing – it’s brilliant,” said Huw, who has been fishing since his childhood.
“Once you’re out fishing and you’re immersed in nature nothing else really matters.
“You forget about the constant worries of the job. All your thoughts and worries seem to drift away.
“If anyone in the Force wants to give it a go or is an angler and wants to know more about us, then please get in touch,” he added.
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