A 12-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has become a phenomenon in the angling world after catching internet users hook, line and sinker with a series of online fishing videos.
Daniel Blackwell is a guru to thousands of anglers after posting a set of YouTube videos.
He now runs his own website from the bedroom of his parents Penn Road house in Hazlemere and receives thousands of hits each month.
The Holmer Green School pupil answers questions online from enthusiasts and offers them advice on tackle, baits and techniques.
One of his videos has attracted 25,000 hits and he is now hoping it will lead to a television series in the future.
His success on the worldwide web has just landed him a major sponsorship deal from SPRO and he is believed to be one of the youngest sponsored anglers.
Nigel Parkes from Angling Concepts Ltd, the UK distributor for SPRO, said: “We saw what he was doing on the internet and we wanted to get involved with him.
“He is very well known in the fishing world and he seems to have built up quite a following out there.
“I think it started out as just posting videos for his friends but it has grown and grown.
“I have never met a 12-year-old like him. I have to remind myself when I am talking to him that he is only 12.”
Blackwell, who is also planning to launch his own DVD in the summer, said: “I love fishing and I love passing on advice to other people. I just want to be the best I can and to help other people out there. I like answering people’s questions and doing the website.
“A lot of my school friends don’t get fishing but I love it.”
Dad Gary said: “He’s done it all at home on his computer. I’m chuffed to bits for him and I’m really proud.”
Blackwell fishes for the Intertype Angling Club and holds the Junior Lake Record for the club.
He finished third in the national Youth Masters and has now moved onto adult match fishing where he is giving the established anglers a run for their money as well, sitting fourth in his club’s adult championships.
Visit his website www.fishing101.co.uk
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