The Reason Why Fishing Saved Me 

Well, the love and support on this video has been absolutely crazy! Thank you to each and every one of you, not only have you supported our journey so far but also commenting about your own stories and struggles, I'll try and respond to as many of you as possible ❤

There’s just no doubt about it, your dad would be proud of you mate. ❤

I’m a 52 year old father and I’m crying like a baby. Thank you for making this film. I wish you and dani all the the best and please don’t stop making films cause I’m hooked. 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣

On a personal level your video has helped in reminding me that change is possible . I'm 52 , lost my dad this year , stepped down from a successful corporate job ,that was eating my years away, to re focus . Bought my rod license for the first time in 5 years ! Now...who knows. ! From the ashes and all that ...thanks for sharing , really brings hope.

I ain't ever met you but I'm proud of you-your story touches the heart. Your dad would be proud of you!! .. And thank you for talking about men's menth health and helping to breaking the stigma

Dude... I feel for you, I really do! My dad passed at a young age of 50. I used to fish as kid with him all the time but things changed and I stopped fishing for 20 years. Watching youtube and came across Carl & Alex channel and watched all of their stuff and they literally saved my life from severe depression, caused by a bad break up with my partner. Now I'm back out fishing as much as I can. Every time I'm on the bank now I really wish my father was here to see and catch the sized fish I catch and fish some of the lakes I fish.

Who’s cutting onions ? Bro I feel your pain. I served in Iraq in 2005 and lost some very good friends, upon returning home and living with PTSD and survivors guilt I attempted to take my life on a few occasions but fishing saved me from that dark place and I can’t get enough of it. I’d love to be able to travel and do all the things you do but circumstances prevent me from doing so but if you’re ever in Peterborough and want a meet up by the river bank or lakeside give me a shout. Chin up bro things can only get better

Sat watching this video genuinely with tears rolling down my cheeks. I too went through a very tough part of my life just over a year ago and completely stopped all my hobbies because of severe depression. Until recently some of my close friends begged me to get back out on the bank and it's completely changed my life. Gone from being completely down in the dumps to wanting to fish every given moment. I've now been signed up to a bait company and got a trip booked to France next year. Fishing really does save lives! I can't thank my friends and videos like this and others that post on youtube enough. Cal & Dani you really are smashing this youtube channel! I cannot wait to see your next adventures ❤

I to lost my dad in my early 20’s, I was 21 nearly 22 and woke up one Sunday morning to find my dad in his chair, he had a heart attack and that was that. I wasn’t that close to my dad but it was still devastating. We never went fishing together but fishing today means so much and has helped me so much. Watching your videos brightens up my day along with the fishing. Keep it up guys ❤

I lost my dad when I was 14 I fished with him all my life and now it’s the only thing keeping me a float in so grateful that I am able to fish

Hey cal you got this I feel your pain I have just lost my dad in June granted he was 88 and I'm 60 but losing you dad there is never a good time keep going mate you got this

best thing about this is we're getting twice as many videos, one off carl and one off you. keep itr up

Your dad would be extremely proud. No doubt about it! Fishing is also to me some sort of therapy. Lost my dad as well, at the age of 64. He had cancer during the entire Covid pandemic. He wasn't into fishing, but into nature as a whole. Miss him a lot. I'm still not where I want to be but I'm sure fishing is helping me a lot. Thanks for sharing your emotions. Greetings from Belgium.

Your a lucky man ! You had the strength to carry on even though everything seems bleak. I wish I had your strength. I have suffered from depression most of my life . Even now I want to go fishing , but I don't have the get up and go to do the things I love the most. Stay strong Cal. Good luck to both of you

A lovely piece Cal. Let’s hope one day you’ll catch more than Dani and we’ll be there to share the moment!😊

Fishing is therapy, I've only been fishing 2 years and still got lots to learn but I have learnt a lot from yours and Carl's videos and they are so much fun to watch, I think your dad would be super proud with the journey you've taken. Thanks for the videos and laughs, looking forward to the next bunch of videos.

Cal... this was an amazing video!!! The ones we love will always look over us with pride!!! Looking forward to more solid content from you and Danni...

Inspiring video from you cal, just goes to show any person at any age can struggle with mental health difficulties & breaking the taboo of men not being able to talk about it. Your dad will be up there watching over you with pride "that's my boy"

I know how hard you worked on this mate ❤ such a powerful story, proud of you man!!!!!

Any time I meet other anglers I always ask when and why their passion started, it's just something I like to chat about. Thanks for sharing your story, it is truly heartwarming, I know your dad would be proud of you.... Tight lines!

I’m turning 50 next march and I’ve just came across your channel,and I’m sitting here with tears as I too lost my dad when I was 17 it broke my whole world apart.i have a few memories of him with me going fishing as a youngster like you I had to grow up fast and didn’t fish for years and years but I have my own kids that I’m raising on my own now and take them fishing there grown up now but started going and learning them from toddlers,I love my fishing and I always have my dad in my mind wishing I could go again with him so I feel your pain oh so much,thank you for sharing this video buddy because it just shows how much fishing is a beautiful sport of fond memories of past and present 👍🎣🎣

Your dad is 100% proud cal! Takes alot to tell a story like that, keep up the good work dude!tight lines🎣✌️

Found you through the last video with Carl. Hats off to you mate building yourself back up and being open 💪 Us men need to be real at times, fishing saved me from my darkest times and its people like you that make us strive to keep going. Love the fact you put even the stupid bits in the videos shows fishing isn’t so straight forward. Looking forward to the next video 💪💪💪💪💪

Takes a strong man to do this Cal, love it. Well done. Legend.

Wow such an emotional video made me thing of my dad who passed in 2018 We all need to remember to look after each other and talk when we are feeling down

Love the content and the honesty , lost my father during lockdown its expected for men to kind of tough it out and keep feelings inside. As I have PTSD it was quick to fall into a personal pit of just feeling nothing made worse that my best friend passed away from Cancer in the same period. The more men feel able to talk about things the better, fishing with a mate or even on your own for time to reflect and refocus is crucial to recovery. After 35 years in a corporate world and travelling all over i also realised that it meant nothing. I sold up and bought a farm in Devon , skint but happy. One door closes and another one opens invariably we just need the confidence to step through it. After all we all share then same certainty in life. Good luck with the channel

Wow Heart wrenching stuff mate. Very touching. Nice to hear the full story and congratulations on the solo venture

Cal that video was truly incredible. I lost my mum suddenly and the impact of that is truly devastating. I have followed my dream and have been running my own business for over 10 years now and I have never looked back. All the best to you and Dani and I am really looking forward to watching your journey and channel grow!!

Incredible touching , having struggled with mental health myself, I can only agree fishing is a safe space for my head x

A truly amazing video! I connected with this on an immense level…. I to lost my farther very suddenly and tragically at a young age. Which lead to depression, addiction and also a break up with my girlfriend throughout covid. Fishing has been a big part of my life since a young age and it has always heeled my soul and brought me together with family and friends. Im happy to say me and my girlfriend also found each other again and have ventured on fishing adventures together where she too landed a 17/18lb common for her first ever fish! I’ve had tears of mixed emotions whilst watching this video and writing this comment. You should be very proud of yourself for the content you are creating and for getting yourself on track….as men it’s what we must do! Take care and I looked forward to seeing more from you soon. 👍🙌🎣

Fishing can be such a good healer, I'm so glad this is working out for you!

Cal passion shows in your filming and in the videos. Keep doing what your both doing. Life is way too short to not make the most of it!

What an inspirational young man you've become!! If ever there was a story of "all is not lost", it's yours!you deserve all the happiness you receive. I'm sure your Dad is so proud of you!

your dad will be looking down so proudly, such a powerful video. keep up the amazing work ❤️🙏🏼

Brought me to tears man I'm so sorry for your loss, but im certain your dad is watching over you with nothing but pride! To tell you the truth, fishing also saved my life. I've had a severe benzodiazepine addiction along with other substances and it completely wrecked me. Along the end of my abuse I discovered fishing, and was brought in to a whole new world. My obsession with drugs was replaced with an obesssion for angling. As I got clean, I could finally afford to get the equipment needed, and the obsession only grew. To this day I am so grateful for fishing, and for all you passionated anglers who have taught me so much. Watching you, Carl, Tom Wilshaw, Tom & Sean, Ginger and many others has definitely been one of the reasons i was able to stay clean. I Can't wait to see what you get up to next mate, tight lines!

Please dont stop making these amazing films of your own cal, you’re dad would be so proud mate

only half way through bro an am nearly in tears cal mate. Especially hearing it in your voice! RIP to your father, his watching over you being so proud of you💙

I fell for you but you pushed through it and now you are doing amazingly,well done🎉

Fishing scene on RU-vid is class, and it'll only get better with you Cal and Dani.

Whoop whoop. Nice bud. Your own full time channel. That's super awesome. I can't wait to see what's to come. I am a father busy getting my son into fishing. Your story honestly brought me to tears. I assure you, your dad is the peace of the water when you are at the waters following your passion. Keep up the good videos and tight lines. All the way from South Africa. Can't wait to see you guys back here for an amazing adventure. Cheers 🎉

Mega pleased you have your own channel now, you and Carl were awesome together!! Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable. I am very sure your Father woud be very proud of you and is with you on your journey.

Love your videos with carl, i'm 68 been fishing for 61year, i still remember the first time i went with father at the age of 7years old. Sorry to say i lost him over 30yrs ago to a heart attack. i still sit by the lake side fishing and thinking of him, i am a great believer in doing what makes you happy, which i and my wife instilled into own kids, They all doing something that they are passonate about and not stuck in a job they hate. So the best of luck with this chapter i your life, Just make it happen,

My Dad introduced me to fishing waaay back when and I fish occasionally with my lad when he feels like joining me. It's great to go with the people you love BUT it's also nice to spend time alone on the bank with your thoughts - I have to agree that it's great for your mental health. I've been following your channel and @fishwithcarl for a while now - the production quality and content is top notch. Keep it up!

That was an incredible story mate there's no doubt your Dad would be so proud of what you have and will achieve. Thanks for sharing your story it was very brave of you. And good luck with the new venture!

I lost my dad on Boxing Day 2020, and we was in lockdown again, really took it out of me. The following summer, a friend suggested a fishing day out. I literally felt happiness again just sitting by the water. I also found carls videos on RU-vid. And that helped me to know what I needed and tips to do it. His, and now yours are a joy to watch always. I just need to find my “dani” now😉😂 Wish you all the success in the world.

What a story, proud of you fella. I lost my wife my brother and my dad over the years, and it broke me, so this really touched me. Gym and a return to fishing more recently has galvanised me. I agree its a beautiful thing. Oh, and I agree, scuba diving is a stunningly peaceful thing to do.

Hello from one of your American subscribers. I too lost my dad at way too young of age. Each and every time I go out with my poles I think of him, every time. It's been channels like yours that got me into carp fishing about a year ago and have been hooked ever since. Thank you so much for that! Can't wait to see what you do from here!

One of the fishing channels that helped me back into fishing, and made my oldest lad obsessed. 👍❤️

What a heartfelt video cal. Literally made me want to cry! So sorry for your loss but also so happy you got in to fishing and got back with danni. Life goes down all sorts of roads but you’ve done well. Keep going cal x

Heart warming story Cal. Keep the love and pride going. Best of luck with your future ventures!!

Man what a powerful video! Stumbled on Carl when i picked up fishing again. Also had a rough time and picking up a rod again after 3 to 4 years was the best thing ever! Thanks for sharing and don't underestimate how much it can help people when you tell a hard story!!

what a video that was to watch! I rarely comment but feel like I needed to. I'm quite fortunate that my dad got me into fishing and have spent many times going fishing with my dad. Recently, I found myself lost in what career to pursue as i have many interests which affected my mental health. However, I've used this time off before going back to uni to get more into my fishing and it's one of the only times my mind truly turns off. Watching you and carl always lifted my spirits and ignited me to get back into the sport I love and get into carping as I only tend to fish for pike and barbel. Your dad will be proud watching down on you and how fishing has saved your life shows your dad was a part of it. Hope your channel succeeds, I have no doubts. Take care

Such a great vid mate. Your dad looks like an amazing person, he did a brilliant job raising you. Sorry for your loss.

This was the video i needed on a sunday morning, your dad would be proud! i lost my dad and best friend also at the age of 21 it was the most difficult time of my life but the strength that i need to carry on is to make him proud! He is always with you on your way being your reason and your strength to carry on! I always think my about him as you will think about your dad and you will always have you memories! So keep chasing that dream and i wish you and Dani both the best of luck in the future also its brilliant you rekindled!

It's so good to see you doing your own thing Cal! I started watching Carl around the same time you joined and it's been a cracking journey! You guys have given me the motivation to do the same thing. All the best on your own adventure Cal you deserve it!

Sorry to hear about your old man Cal, really glad to you found your ‘thing’ to keep you going and fighting on though bro. Keep up the great videos mate me and my son love watching them like we liked watching u and Carl together ! Tight lines 😎🎣

Your dad would be so so proud thank you for sharing your story

I lost my Dad the year before you. I get it 😊 Subscribed already, you had become an integral part of Fish With Carl, and a big part of the magic. Looking forward to watching your channel.

Amazing story!! Keep up the great work, so inspirational

This video really hit home with me my late dad was the reason I started fishing and the reason I still love it I sit on the bank and still often talk to him as I know he is there with me just as I’m sure you dad is with you when your out on the bank 💜

Great story, I'm sure your dad would be proud of you. Fishing has saved me too, watching a float is meditative and clears the mind like nothing else.

Not sure why this popped up on my videos but I’m pleased it did as some of it hit home, September ends and a lot I can relate to especially loosing one’s father which is not easy to talk about. Brilliant video brilliantly done and he will be watching ❤

All the best Cal & Dani 😊 it would be awesome if you could fish some of the spots your dad used to fish on the river and catch the species he was holding in the photos 👍👍 the pike would be a good start come winter, he'd be proud Cal no doubts at all x

Great video Cal. Good to hear that angling has had such a positive impact on your life. I’m sure your dad would be so proud of what you’ve accomplished & by the looks of it, you’re only just getting started! Can’t wait to see more videos from you!!! Tight lines buddy. 🎣👏🏼

Cal & Dani, the only channel where I like the video during the ads at the beginning!

It takes bottle to open up about this stuff, Cal. It’s great that you can trust the community enough to delve into it. I’m sorry for the passing of your Dad and I hope you’ve made peace with such tragic events by fishing and doing exactly what your dad loved. I’ve just subscribed after watching the Fish with Carl video of the new adventure! Looking forward to the content as it comes out. 👌🏻

Such a brave video and so many people will relate to it. I first went fishing as a 5 year old with my brother and his mates who were all older than me. I caught some small Perch from our local Grand Union Canal. After a few more sessions with them, they moved on to other things and I started to fish on my own a few years later, working things out as I went. My brother came out with me on the odd occasion in my late teens as the company he worked for had a lake for the employees and we would do a few hours in the evening before a couple of beers down the pub but we drifted apart after that, mainly because I was a complete arse at that age and fixated on my career, earning money and showing it off. Fast forward to the pandemic and we only saw each other sporadically, sometimes going a couple of years without meeting up. We were both divorced and living on our own. Tom reached out to me as he had decided to start fishing again to get out and about (I had been a regular for years with a bit of a break after my marriage break up). Fast forward 4 years and we are out every weekend and it has been amazing to see him break so many personal bests and catch so many new species he had never caught before. He retired earlier this year when the company he worked for made him redundant, a year before he reached the official age but with a redundancy just enough to see him through. He picks me up on weekends when my partner isn't out with us and refuses to take any payment - So as a retirement present I have booked him 2 weeks in Thailand and paid for it as a thank you with 4 days at Jurassic and 3 at the amazing Wasana park in Pattaya. Fishing has brought us back together as both brothers and friends, hence why this video touched me on a personal level. Thank you so much for making it and I wish you (and Dani) all the best for your new venture - ps, Debs my other half is just like Dani and has a habit of catching more than me!

This hit home big mate! Keep your head high your father will be proud 💪🏼🎣

The last video you recently finished with Carl earned you a sub on your channel boy! Best of luck with your new ventures.

Hey Cal and Dani, what a lovely story for you guys. I, myself like you lost my father 8 years ago on Boxing Day of 2016 and it still feels like yesterday. I started fishing with my dad like many of us as a young boy at around six. I have many memories of those days where he would take me and a friend fishing and I’d occasionally catch him looking around the lake and taking in all the nature and wildlife that we both shared a great love for. I got into carp fishing just before Covid hit and spent lockdown learning how to tie rigs, feature finding, watercraft, baiting up properly for all conditions. I am now fully in love with carp fishing and with the help of my best friends (as I have a one in a million disease in my back) can go to Europe about 3 x a year for monsters. We got back from an embryo water in Holland about 7 weeks ago and then had a week in France that we came home from this Saturday just gone. I always like to think that dad’s watching down on me, and this time I’m “certain” he was. The last Father’s Day we spent together was at a bird of prey centre and the barn owl was our favourite by far. As the sun was setting on our last night, my best friend and I were looking up at the sky, hoping for one last big one to grace our nets when the most magnificent bird flew through a golden patch of the sky, just soaring above us … the barn owl, the ONLY time I’ve ever seen one in the wild - my dad ! 100% your dad is with you and no doubt very proud of you mate. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your content. Good luck bro 👊🏼🎣

i get you man i have been suffering mental health issues and started back fishing this year even on blank days its so good just to be by the water and as helpped a lot love cal and dani its both a giggle and great content

Keep it up. My love of fishing came from my Granddad. I did some fishing with my father also but not as much as I would have like to. Drive on with your dreams Cal and Dani.

Mate, big up for sharing your story. So many of us can relate, and I have exactly the same regret. But I believe we never really lose anyone, as long as we remember them, they are still with us. Even when we blank or get catastrophically out fished by our better halves they are with us and enjoying the moments. Your journey will be long and I am grateful to be able to watch it through these videos, with my son. 🙌🏻

Respect mate, i can relate to this and your dad without doubt would be proud 🎣🙏🏻

Bless you buddy, thank you for the honesty and respect to you for working through the challenges of life. Really enjoy the content mate! Tight lines

Wish you all the best & tight lines

What an emotional rollercoaster. I'm sure your dad is proud of you Cal!!! I'm sure your channel is going to blow up! Best of luck, and looking forward to your videos!

Keep doing what you're doing lads n gals, we've all got our personal trials and tribulations to get through including me! I consider myself as an angler, with a koi pond at the bottom of the garden and the river Arun beyond the field out back. However truth is work has taken over the past 10 years and barely cast a line! If you can make your living doing something you love then I solute you and enjoy every minute there's nothing better!!!! Tight lines and peace and love to all ❤️

Thank you for sharing your personal journey. Respect for having the guts to take the important decisions and making the big life changes you needed to make. Your dad would surely be proud of you. Most don’t have the guts to do the hard stuff for a better life. It’s great too that you don’t have the overblown ego of many U tube anglers who think they are it with only a few years experience under their belt on limited waters. Sharing the journey, utilising your skills and video creating experience along the way most simply don’t have will be a massive edge. Always be humble, most aren’t not realising it turns viewers off. Do adventures most don’t have the time for, take your viewers with you. Keep it fresh for you too and that will come across too. Stay on good terms with people like Carl you have associated with. There are times when joint collaborations may work well for both of you on some projects. Most of all remember your dad I am sure would be proud of you.❤

Good luck cal, enjoyed watching you and Carl but I’m now subscribed to this channel too, all the best for the future, your dad would be so proud buddy 👍

A sad but inspiring video Cal. I can say your Dad would be extremely proud of what you've achieved and what your future holds. I wish you the best of luck pushing this channel forward. 😊

2021 was a crap year for me in the same way it was for you in 2019. My current partner is who got me through the tough times by booking me a surprise visit to a lake complex near me after seeing all my fishing gear and me never talking about it, as it was me and my dads hobby, our thing. I feel like he's still sat there on the bank with me every time I go now. This resonated with me hard.

Wishing you the very best of luck in your new venture Cal! You will make a success of it no doubt! Your videos are true and honest but most importantly fun! The bond shared between father and son is a truly amazing thing, cherish those memories and keep them with you on your travels. All the best 👍👍👍👍

Im in depths at the moment, looking for an out. Glad you've found your and I look forward to seeing whats to come in the future, best of luck mate.

Wow this video really touched me as I can relate to this 100%, Your dad would be really proud & good luck with your future 💙🎣

Tbh fishing saved me as well as did urs and carls content thank you for sharing and thank you for all the awesome content

Glad your in a better place now, fishing to me is more than catching. It helps me clear my head and recharge my batteries. All the best for the future.

He can see you an no doubt you make him proud everyday ❤

Fk me Cal, you had me tearing up man. Your dad will be so proud of what you've achieved! You're an inspiration to us all I can't wait to watch your journey! Big love mate 💙 🎣🎬

I will now go and watch every single one of your video for the algorithm. I'm doing my part. I'm currently on the beginning of a similar journey. Wish you all the best! Much love and fishing luck -Norling

Not going to lie dude you had tears streaming down my face glad you found fishing and it helped you turn life around I don't know what I would of done if I didn't have fishing when my mum passed. Lookforward to watching this channel grow and grow and the fab content you put out

Cal what you have been through I am sure your Dad is very proud of you. My own story is back in 1961when I was aged 10 a neighbour took me fishing. I caught nothing and never went again. Fast forward to 2017 needing something a bit calmer than riding my motorbike I decided to give it another go. I now love it and regret all those wasted years but to say I am not a very competent Angler would be an understatement so fair play to Dani. Any skills I do have I have learnt from Carl. Although I often re watch videos to remind myself a lot. Best wishes with the channel and you have a new Sub

ahhh man, your journey is so inspiring - much love dude

It's so nice to see and hear how you got into fishing and how it saved your life cal, I'm sure your dad is looking down on you with a big smile on his face. Keep the videos coming guys and keep going from strength to strength . I lost both my brothers over the last 12 years and we were inseperable when it came to fishing so I can feel your heartbreak where your dad is concerned but i can say that keeping up the fishing helps keep the memories alive of someone you lost 👍

Best of luck Cal! Go for it bud, I will enjoy watching your progress. I'm sure your Dad would be mega proud of you mate. x

Go on Cal !! Been following your journey with Carl and thought you was such a great character all the time you was with him.. And I can see you've grown into a person who goes for what he wants and that you deserve to get everything you want in this life !! Wish you and Dani all the best with the future and hope I get to see you adventures along the way.. As for your Dad - I bet he has a smile the size of a whale across his face , seeing what your doing now.. SUb'd,like'd and looking forward to so much more!!

Your Dad would be so proud. Thanks for sharing your story - keep going!

We've all camped in the garden. I still do through the summer! Never grow up. What a great film, your dad would be so proud. May you achieve all your dreams in the future.

Great video can’t wait to see more and your dad would be well proud of your journey man well done

You are an inspiration, mate! Such a brave video to produce and post. You have come so far and achieved so much in such a short space of time, and I can only see that developing further. Your Dad will be so proud of you and will be watching over you, always.