As a kid I had the ripe opportunity to grow up very rural France where being outdoors was part of my every day. Phones, Screens and tech was non-existent and with the dial up internet connection we had even if we had tech, it would have been near enough impossible to use.
Me and my older sister needed something to pass our time so we took to exploring the valley fields and forests which surrounded the old French Farm where we lived. After weeks of making dens, treehouses and doing what kids do best, we discovered a stretch of river which ran through one of the valleys and past the Local trout farm. Little did I know, this 2KM stretch of river was going to become one my biggest passions.
It provided some amazing fishing, especially for a young lad who didn’t really know what they were doing at the time. Hours, days which lead to months were spent fishing that river over the course of 6 years living in France. I knew the river like that back of my hand, best spots, best conditions, where the fish would sit during various times of the day and the best time to fish (just after the fish farm had emptied their holding tanks). It became an addiction. This was time in my life where being close to nature became a part of my life and ignited a flame inside me which would be visited later on in life.
Fast forward to September 5th 2016. Sat on the outbound train from Plymouth heading to CTCRM with a giant rucksack in one hand
an ironing board in the other. This chapter of my life consumed me, broke me down but also shot me out the other end knowing exactly what I wanted from life. I joined the Royal Marines because I wanted a challenge myself mentally and physically, the thought of going into something completely unknown was very inviting. Almost giving me the same feeling of adventure which I had 10 years prior when moving to France. The Marines offered adventures and experiences I couldn’t have partook anywhere else. I was getting the sense of adventure I had always been longing for, exploring the depths of the Jungle in Central America to the Dusty heat of Central Africa. Determination, discipline, cheerfulness and being the first to understand, adapt and overcome are the key pillars I’ve carried forward from my time in the Royal Marines as they continue to shape and influence my life today. I dedicated a total of 7 years to the Royal Marines and the Queen, a period that seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. Looking back, those years were some of the most formative of my life, filled with purpose, camaraderie and adventure.
With the passion of fishing, a draw to water and the installed element of stalking/hunting from the marines I took things one step further and started spearfishing. Embarking on another chapter of my life where I had the chance to enjoy all of my favourite things in one activity, catching fish and shooting at the same time. What else could you ask for right? In this chapter I learnt everything I possibility could about fish species, tides, fish behaviour, feeding patterns and most importantly; what attracts fish underwater. Diving in some amazing places around the UK and abroad whilst experiencing what nature has to offer.
Fast forward to late summer 2021 sat on a dingy whilst out fishing for Bass fishing with Co-Founder Freddy, beer in hand fully enjoying the moment of tranquillity on the water. That spark that had ignited in rural France 20 Years prior just fully took over and, in that moment, we conjured a quick plan on turning our passions into a reality. From that moment forward we had found our purpose, transforming the outdated fishing industry and creating unique, innovative designs which we could showcase on a user friendly platform for our likeminded community.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and what has lead me to where I am today. Welcome to EBBROX