About Boilie Ben - Where It All Began

About Boilie Ben

Where It All Began

My earliest fishing memory is around the age of four or five years old crabbing during a family camping holiday on Hayling Island. We were staying at a campsite called Fisherman’s Creek, and my first “bait” was a bread roll tied onto the end of a line! It may have been a very simple start, but it sparked an interest that has stayed with me ever since.

I began coarse fishing properly when I was around 12 years old. I grew up in Long Buckby, a Northamptonshire village close to the Grand Union Canal, and my first setup was a telescopic Kingfisher rod set bought for me by my parents from Argos. Does anyone else remember the Argos Kingfisher fishing tackle?

I would cycle down to the canal carrying my rod and a pint of maggots bought from Bailey’s, our local hardware shop. Hidden at the back was a small fishing-tackle section run by the Bailey brothers, who were both very keen anglers.

They closed the shop every Wednesday and Sunday so they could go fishing together. My dad always joked that, as there were two of them, surely one could have stayed behind and kept the shop open!

My early catches were mainly perch, roach and other silverfish. I don’t remember catching any carp from the canal—that came a little later.

My First Carp

Around the age of eleven I started visiting Nether Heyford Fishery, which was one of the early commercial-style fisheries. It had a snake lake, a specimen carp lake and what we called the “kids’ pool”, which was heavily stocked with beautiful little carp.

I used to catch them on a whip, and it was brilliant fun. Those early sessions were what really got me hooked on carp fishing.

The specimen lake was far more challenging. It contained lots of weed and snags, and although we could see the carp cruising around, I could never tempt one on floating bread.

The only thing I managed to hook was a duck—which resulted in my dad having to get into the lake to rescue it! Thankfully, both the duck and my dad survived the experience.

Drayton Reservoir

A short while later I progressed to Drayton Reservoir near Daventry. Today, Drayton is widely known as one of the country’s best runs waters, but back then it was mainly fished by local anglers.

The carp were much bigger than anything I had previously caught and were famous for fighting incredibly hard. I visited with my childhood friend John and his dad, Dave, who was a very good angler.

Dave had made some paste bait, and our method was wonderfully simple: mould the paste around the hook and fish close to a tree stump. It was almost a fish a cast! Our biggest problem was the carp straightening our hooks.

Those sessions remain some of my favourite childhood fishing memories.

Rediscovering Fishing

Unfortunately, I then took a long break from fishing—something I now regret. However, I don’t think the fishing bug ever truly disappears.

When I eventually returned, I was amazed by how much carp fishing had changed. There seemed to be countless new rigs, baits, products and techniques, and everything felt far more complicated than I remembered.

That experience is one reason I understand how confusing modern carp fishing can appear to beginners and returning anglers. I believe fishing should be enjoyable, accessible and explained in straightforward language—not made unnecessarily complicated.

The Birth of Boilie Ben

In 2024, I began sharing my fishing adventures on YouTube, and Boilie Ben was born!

I couldn’t believe how warmly people responded to the videos. Since then, the channel has continued to grow, and we have built a loyal and friendly community across YouTube and the Boilie Ben Facebook group.

My videos follow the experiences of an everyday angler. I enjoy experimenting with different methods, affordable tackle and sometimes unusual baits, while sharing both the successful sessions and the days when things don’t quite go to plan.

Over time, more and more viewers began asking whether they could come fishing with me or book a tuition session.

My Fishing Today

I now live near Brighton and regularly fish a variety of waters across Sussex, including Passies Pond and Sumners Ponds. I’m also a member of the local angling clubs, giving me access to a wide range of venues—from smaller, well-stocked lakes to more challenging waters.

As well as fishing stillwaters, I enjoy exploring the rivers Arun and Adur. River fishing presents a completely different challenge, and I particularly enjoy the excitement of searching for wild, hard-fighting carp in these beautiful and unpredictable waters.

I also make several trips each year to waters farther afield, where I can target bigger carp, experience different types of venues and really put my skills to the test.

I’m always learning, experimenting with new ideas and looking for ways to improve my own angling. I believe this makes me a better coach, because fishing is a sport in which nobody ever knows everything—and there is always another challenge waiting.

Becoming an Angling Coach

In early 2026, I decided to turn the requests for tuition into something more meaningful and began working towards an official Angling Trust coaching qualification.

I successfully qualified as an Angling Trust coach in August 2026.

Since then, I have helped anglers of many different ages and abilities—from complete beginners and younger anglers to experienced anglers and older people returning to the sport after many years away.

Many of my YouTube viewers are older anglers, and I particularly enjoy helping people rediscover their confidence and enjoyment after taking a break from fishing.

I have also delivered sessions through Angling on Prescription, helping people use fishing as a way to support their mental wellbeing. These sessions have been especially rewarding.

Fishing gives people something positive to focus on, encourages them to spend time outdoors and can provide a welcome break from the pressures of everyday life.

My Approach to Tuition

My tuition sessions are relaxed, friendly and tailored to the individual. There is no judgement and no expectation that you should already understand all the terminology or own expensive equipment.

Whether you want to catch your first fish, improve your method-feeder fishing, learn how to use zigs or surface baits, or take your first steps into specimen carp fishing, I will explain everything clearly and help you put it into practice.

Most importantly, I want you to enjoy the day, build your confidence and leave with practical skills you can use during your own future fishing sessions.

If you would like to arrange a session or simply discuss what type of tuition would suit you, please get in touch. I would be delighted to help you take the next step in your fishing journey.

Tight lines,

Ben – Boilie Ben