Fisherman shares 'peace' of river with youngsters

Fisherman Kieron Banks said he wanted to "get kids outside"

On a gloomy and soggy Sunday, you can find fisherman Kieron Banks by the River Kent with a grin on his face. Living up to his name, he's known by many folk of Kendal for his extensive knowledge of the riverbanks and what lurks beneath.

Kieron's 30 years of experience on the River Kent and teaching his own children inspired him to set up a free fishing club for youngsters.

The 43-year-old says he wanted to "get kids outdoors" after fishing helped him "escape estate life" and provided "a sense of peace".

The Kendal Kingfishers Fishing Club, which started in March 2024, invites children and their parents or guardians to come along to the riverbank.

"It started from one little boy who wanted to learn...I knew his grandad when he was alive and he helped me on my way so I thought it only right to reciprocate," Kieron says.

Recent downpours have not dampened the spirits of children like Hunter and Teddy, who say they have "learned to be patient" and have seen otters, trout and crayfish while taking part.

Kieron learned to swim in the River Kent as a child and has been fishing for about 30 years

Kieron learned to swim in the River Kent as a child, where his dad taught him how to cast a line.

The fisherman says he wanted to pass on his craft which has helped his mental health, providing "peace and tranquility".

He said: "I've lived at the same estate for 43 years...it's all I know.

"A lot of my friends and lads I went to school with didn't get past the age of 40. It's tragic.

"Fishing has helped me escape estate life and it gives you a nice place to get away from it all."

The river is the "jewel in Kendal", he says.

"You sit by it and put your thoughts in order."

Kieron says the club, which happens every few weeks, has gone from "strength to strength".

He says about 150 rods have been donated by local people and businesses so "every child has a fishing rod".

"I want the kids to get engaged...that's the key."

Joel said it was his first time at the club

They return the fish to the water after they have been caught.

It is Joel's first time at the club and he says he is "having a great time".

"I usually just fish with a net but with Kieron I can use a rod," he adds.

He says he has had lots of fun but his fishing rod got caught on a reed.

"I haven't caught anything today but before I've caught catfish, bullheads and minnows," he says.

For twins Thomas and Elijah, their favourite things about the club are "catching fish" and "getting wet".

They say they have seen crayfish and salmon in the water.

Twins Thomas and Elijah say they have seen crayfish and salmon in the water

Kieron strives to educate the children about the creatures that live in the River Kent, which include otters, kingfishers, salmon and crayfish.

He describes himself as a "conservationist first, fisherman second".

"If we don't look after the river, the stocks and watch for the pollution, eventually there won't be any fish."

Bailey says being by the River Kent is "relaxing and quiet" with a "nice feeling of fresh air".

"My dad takes me out fishing and I'd love it if we could go out more... but this club gives me more chance to fish which makes me happy.

"Kieron has taught me how to catch and release fish."

Bailey says being by the river is "relaxing and quiet"

Hunter, who has been coming to the club since it started, has brought his friend Teddy.

"It's fun," Hunter says. "We get to see all the fish and meet different people.

"I've learned to be patient."

Teddy says he has learned how to cast a line and reel it in, adding that they have seen "trout, carp and a couple of otters".