23/07/2026
This is without doubt the hardest post I’ve ever had to write.
After a lot of sleepless nights and some incredibly difficult decisions, I’ve had to make the decision to close Catchy Bait. As part of that process, I’ve also had to declare bankruptcy.
This isn’t something I’m proud of, and it certainly isn’t where I ever thought I’d be. Catchy Bait was never just a business to me. It started in my fridge down south It was something I poured my heart into, with big ambitions and dreams of growing it into something much bigger. This year would mark the 10 year anniversary. I’ve spent a long time trying to turn my financial situation around, exploring every option I could and doing everything possible to keep the business going. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I’ve reached the point where I simply can’t continue. Catchy bait needed more than one person to run it successfully and I’m fully aware that I’ve ruined such a good opportunity.
I’ve kept this to myself for a long time. In fact, I only told my family late last week. Over the last few days I’ve been trying to contact as many customers as I can personally because I felt people deserved to hear this from me rather than finding out another way. If I have not contacted you please don’t take that personally as that’s not the case.
I know this post will bring a mixture of emotions. Some people will be shocked, some confused, some angry, some disappointed, and others may understand the position I’ve found myself in. However you feel, I completely respect that. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me or understand my decisions.
I also want to be clear that I’m not looking for sympathy or to make excuses. This business was my responsibility and I’ve run the business solely by myself. If my situation has affected you in any way, whether that’s financially, emotionally or simply through disappointment, I am genuinely sorry. I know an apology won’t undo what’s happened, but it is heartfelt and genuine.
As of today, Catchy Bait will no longer be taking or fulfilling any orders, all future matches will be cancelled.
To every single person who supported Catchy Bait, bought from me, shared posts, had clothing personalised, recommended the business, stopped to chat at matches or sent me pictures of fish caught using my products, thank you. You helped turn an idea into something I was incredibly proud of, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Catchy bait was always about building a strong community.
I’ve also been overwhelmed by the kindness so many people have shown me over the last 24 hours. So many customers have responded with understanding, support and advice when I’ve spoken to them personally. I honestly can’t thank those people enough and I really do appreciate it.
I also know that some people are understandably upset, and I completely respect that too. All I ask is that, if you need to contact me, you do so respectfully. I’m not hiding from this, and I’ll always be honest about the position I’m in, but abusive or threatening messages won’t help resolve anything and have a huge impact on both me and my family during what is already an incredibly extremely difficult time, all I ask is that you bear with us while the bankruptcy process begins.
If you have any questions regarding previous orders, future orders, Trade accounts or anything relating to Catchy Bait, please email me at [email protected]. I’ll do my best to respond as quickly as I can. I may not always have the answer people are hoping for, but I promise I’ll be honest, transparent and help where I can.
I appreciate that there may be speculation or rumours following this announcement. All I ask is that you don’t believe everything you hear and be open minded. If you have any questions or concerns, please come to me directly and I’ll answer them honestly and with full transparency.
Right now, I need to focus on my family, my mental health and rebuilding my life. Catchy bait is all I’ve known for the last 10 years of my life.
Although Catchy Bait is coming to an end, my love for fishing isn’t. Fishing has introduced me to some incredible people and memories that I’ll always treasure. Big money finals & great festivals. My hope is that one day, when the time is right, I’ll still be welcomed as part of this amazing community, not as someone selling bait, but simply as someone who loves being on the bank as much as everyone else.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Catchy Bait journey. It may be the end of the business, but I’ll always be grateful for the support, friendships and memories that came with it.
Above all, we want to thank every one of our customers. For the past 10 years, your loyalty, encouragement, and support have been the heart of Catchy Bait. Every order, every message, every recommendation, and every kind word has meant more to us than you could ever know. Thank you for being part of our journey ❤️ 🎣
