Is it just fishing?  

For now, yes, but we have big plans!

We want to include activities that connect us with nature such as sound healing, sea swimming confidence courses, art and water therapy, coastal foraging, and even free-diving courses.

And of course we want to hear what you want from Black Fish.

Do I need fishing gear?  

No. We will provide the fishing gear like rods, reels, bait, etc.

We suggest bringing chairs blankets, warm clothing and maybe swimwear if you fancy a dip, as you would on a beach trip. You might want to bring a flask of warm drink too if it’s cold.

As we grow, we aim to attract investment, funding, or sponsorship to provide our members with their own gear.

Is it free?  

Yes, but we encourage you to make a donation if you can to support our community. We have put in our own money to get the community started and we are applying for grants and funds to sustain us longterm.

Your donation means a lot and even a small amount makes a difference.

Is it always in Hythe, Kent?  

Yes for now. We as we grow we intend to have meet-ups at other beaches, eventually too like. Hastings and Brighton, for example.

Do I have to fish?  

No, you don’t. You can come and hang out just for the vibes at any of the meet-ups - just let us know so we can allocate the fishing gear accordingly.

Hythe is a beautiful working beach; it has fishing boats in action most days. This means that if you don’t catch anything that day, you can still buy freshly caught fish and seafood!

Is the beach in Hythe wheelchair accessible?  

Hythe is a pebble beach with tide slopes, so it is not usually wheelchair accessible but with enough notice we may be able to source a ramp. We are committed to making it possible so that everyone can enjoy the joy of fishing. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Are there toilets at Hythe beach?  

Yes, there is a lovely restaurant called Lazy Shack that has toilet access as well as tasty food options. There’s also a great fish and farm shop selling great produce for our avid home chefs!

Who can join Black Fish?  

Our events prioritise space for Black queer people, and for those from the global majority who have often been pushed to the margins of outdoor culture. White participants are welcome when there is capacity, but we ask you to join with awareness; this is not a neutral space, it is a space deliberately rebalanced. Decentering whiteness means recognising how white norms, expectations, and ways of taking up space can dominate in mixed settings, and choosing to step back so that other voices and experiences can lead. This also applies to Black and global majority people who may unconsciously centre whiteness in their behaviour. Our invitation is to arrive with humility, openness, and care.

what does centering Black queer joy?

For us, joy is not a luxury - it is resistance. Fishing together on the shoreline becomes a way to reclaim space, reconnect with water, and build confidence in community. To centre Black queer joy is to unapologetically name whose healing and thriving this project is built to support. It means shaping events, language, and culture so that Black queer people feel at home, celebrated, and free from having to translate themselves or make themselves smaller. It also means decentering whiteness in practice: slowing down, listening, and letting go of competitiveness, urgency, or entitlement to space. When we do this, the shoreline becomes a place where joy is possible for those it has too often excluded.

Do I need prior fishing experience to join?  

No, all skill levels are welcome. We’ll provide all the gear and help you set up a rod. If you have your own equipment feel free to bring it along and if you have fishing experience we welcome everyone to share their skills with the community.

How often do meet-ups and activities occur, and for how long?  

We hook up monthly outside The Lazy Shack and then walk down the beach towards and past the boats to set up.

Are there any age restrictions for participants?  

There are no age restrictions. We celebrate intergenerational passing of skills and knowledge. However children are the full responsibility of their accompanying adult.

What if the weather is bad?  

Honey, this is the UK—if we only fished in good weather, we’d hardly ever fish!

How can I get involved beyond fishing?  

We’re looking for volunteers, investors, supporters and captains who wish to be trained. We are a CIC, not-for-profit community.

If you would like to support us, please get in touch.

Please email us: hello@weareblackfish.com

How can I stay updated on events and news?  

Subscribe to our newsletter on when our meet-ups are happening and more.

Join our facebook group

Subscribe to our YouTube