"I WANT TO CATCH 60 FISH IN 60 DAYS FOR CHARITY!"

A PLEASURE angler is set to embark upon the fishing challenge of his life in attempt to catch 60 species of fish in 60 days to raise vital funds for angling charities.

The ambitious conquest is the brainchild of 59-year-old Hugh Arnott who decided he wanted to celebrate his sixtieth birthday a little differently in 2020…

With a planned date of September, Hugh will take to the road to travel the length and breadth of the UK to slip his net under as many species as possible – and all in a drive to raise money for Get Hooked on Fishing, the English Disabled Fly Fishers and Fishing for Forces charities.

Hugh Arnott with a giant pike he caught during a trip to a Hungarian lake

Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, Hugh said: “As I turn 60 in July next year I thought I would try to catch 60 different fish from both salt and freshwater in just 60 days.

“At heart I’m a pleasure angler and will be looking to use a cross section of methods to catch these species – including fly, lure, bait, shore and boat.

“Right now I’m not sure whether it is even possible, but I most certainly will be having plenty of fun trying!”

During the 60 days Hugh plans to fish locations both inland and off-shore but admitted that help from the angling community would significantly aid his progression.

“I think I will need all the support I can get,” he added.

“A fishery holding plenty of species is a superb starting point to tick some names off the list, and if venue owners could offer a free day ticket that would help tremendously.

“Perhaps brand or sport ambassadors could provide their tips and knowledge of venues, or maybe even join me for a session?

“If manufacturers wanted to provide tackle that would be great too – at the end of the challenge they will all be donated to the charities who really need them.

“My main objective is to raise as much money as possible so the more support the better – please feel free to contact me if you’re keen to help.”

The news has already been welcomed with open arms by the proposed charities in Hugh’s challenge, and none more so than the officials behind Get Hooked on Fishing.

Their CEO Sarah Collins said: “it was a pleasant surprise to hear from Hugh and I we were very impressed with his ambition in what will be a very tough ordeal.

“The idea is very refreshing and something that a lot of people can potentially get involved in – including the young anglers we work with daily.

“As a charity every little helps so we are delighted that Hugh has thought of us, and we will support him where we can.”

CAN YOU HELP HUGH?

Panel: How you can help Hugh achieve his challenge

If you’re a fishery owner, charter skipper or tackle manufacturer wanting to help Hugh along his journey, you can contact him via email at 60fishin60days@gmail.com

You can also donate to Hugh’s cause by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/60fishin60days