Well known for reeling in The Big Fish with tungsten – newly crowned World Matchplay, and reigning World Champion, Luke Littler is going to give it another shot with a rod. The teenage darts sensation is set to swap the oche for open water as he takes part in the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship later this summer.
Current World Champ, Littler will join an eclectic line-up of sporting icons at Tunnel Barn Fishery on July 29, where rods will replace arrows and bragging rights will come not from nine-darters, but from landing the day’s biggest fish. The two-hour highlights package is to air on ITV4, because nothing says must-see TV quite like watching a group of competitive blokes stare at water for that long.
The 18-year-old, fresh off a whirlwind start to his career – including more media commitments than he probably has fishing lessons, will line up alongside names like Tony Bellew, Barry Hearn, Steve Davis, Adrian Lewis, Rob Cross, and James Wade. Players Lounge bragging rights on offer right there.
This isn’t Littler’s first attempt at angling glory. He gave it a shot last year too, where let’s just say he didn’t exactly threaten the leaderboard. In fact, he finished last. But true to form, the Warrington wonderkid is ready to cast his net again. After all, darts teaches precision – and if he can hit a tiny bullseye on demand, surely he can outwit a fish or two. Or at least you’d think.
There’s a charity angle to the event too, with organisers hoping to net a tidy sum for good causes. No public spectators will be allowed at the venue – probably a wise move given the potential for fishing rods and dart fans to create chaos.
So, while Littler’s still working on passing his driving test (rumour has it his fishing licence came easier), fans can look forward to seeing how the young superstar fares with a rod in hand. If he does end up with a whopper in hand, there’s a good chance it came from Burger King and not the water.
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Images: Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship
