The worm has turned into reel big business

Jordan Russell with some of his blackworms outside his expanded business Bispham Angling

For Jordan Russell has founded a thriving business digging for worms on the sea shore.

Jordan, 24, runs Bispham Angling, which supplies equipment and bait to fishermen on the coast and beyond.

He started out digging his own bait but got so adept at finding the best blackworms on the coast that he could sell it to other anglers.

He rented a shop on Red Bank Road five years ago and, with the help of mum Debbie, he has now expanded by moving into another nearby unit where he can develop the range of his products.

Jordan said: “It’s a family business. We sell all sorts of things, tackle and rods for all types of angling for sea fishing to coarse, carp and pike fishing.

“But we specialise in bait.

“Blackworms off the beach are the main bait the sea anglers want.

“You have to know the best times and places to get them. It varies depending on the tides which are the major factor. It is best when there’s a big tide because you can get out to the sand banks. I can be out digging for bait at all times from 3am to 3pm.

“Sea angling is very popular here.”

He said prime fishing locations include the Gynn Wall, Cavendish Road and  Norbreck Castle. They are known for species such as sea bass in the summer and  codling in the winter, and other species including plaice, dab, whiting, dog fish, tope and smooth hound.

Jordan, who lives in Fleetwood, said he was hooked on fishing early and was pleased to have been able to make his passion a successful business.

He said: “I have been keen on fishing all my life. I am very pleased it has taken off, it has gone a lot better than I thought it would when I started.

“We have built up quite a big customer base now and with the new shop and the internet site we can cater for them and bring in new lines.”