My Profile

A Snapshot of My Life

Hello, my name is Richard Handel. I was born in 1965 in Suffolk, a picturesque county in the UK. My professional journey took me into the shipping industry, where I worked as the UK Operations & Intermodal Manager. These days, I live in Hampshire with my wife and our two wonderful young daughters.

Fishing has been a lifelong passion of mine, starting at the age of seven on small rivers in Suffolk. Over time, I progressed to gravel pits and eventually discovered my love for carp fishing. My personal best catches include a 39.08lb mirror carp and a 22lb+ pike. In recent years, I’ve rekindled my enjoyment of river fishing on the Hampshire Avon, which provides a refreshing change from carp lakes.

In May 2015, my life took a significant turn. The company I worked for relocated its operations center to Estonia, offering me a position at the head office in London. However, the prospect of a demanding daily commute and being away from my family was not the life we envisioned. After 22.5 years of service, I accepted a redundancy package and transitioned to a new role as a house husband, while my wife stepped into full-time work.

This shift has transformed my approach to fishing. With newfound flexibility, I can plan my trips around school runs and family commitments. I’ve also joined an incredible syndicate featuring five lakes and eight miles of river, with only 150 members—a dream setup for any angler.

Beyond fishing for leisure, I’ve been exploring opportunities to make a name for myself in the fishing world. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some truly inspiring people, and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me next.