I’m Dale – born in Hednesford, Staffordshire, and proud dad to a little explorer who’ll be out-casting me soon enough. I’ve been fishing around 25 years on and off, ever since my uncle Andy dragged me to the bank and taught me everything he knew. The peace, the graft, the buzz when a plan finally kicks off – that’s what keeps me coming back. One of my best early memories is a private water in Market Drayton he took me to… untouched, stacked with carp, and my old Argos setup nearly caught fire trying to keep up.
On the bank I keep it simple and confident. A blowback rig or a 7" fluoro Ronnie does the job, with sweetcorn or a 14mm Purple A.K.I. pop-up as my go-to. I’m a natural tinkerer – if something feels off, I’ll reel in and reset, even if it’s pitch black and the headtorch is dying.
Being part of Baits by A.K.I. means progression, teamwork, and building something worth talking about. My motto? “A jack of all trades but a master of none.” Suits me perfectly – always learning, always adapting, never boxed in.
Favourite UK water? Patshull Park Church Lake.
Dream destination? Lake Bled – carp that look carved, not grown.
And if there’s one thing everyone learns quickly… I’m clumsy as hell. If someone’s going to hit the deck on a session, trust me, it’ll be me.