CALL US TODAY - 020 8742 1556
CALL US TODAY - 020 8742 1556
MEET THE TEAM
Go Fishing Worldwide was established in 1986 by Maggi Smit. With years of experience in the travel industry, Maggi noticed a growing demand for dedicated fishing holidays. At the time, no one in the UK was offering this, so Maggi decided to fill the gap. She launched the business with one of her favourite fishing destinations, Canada.
Since then, Go Fishing Worldwide has grown significantly and now offers an extensive range of freshwater and saltwater fishing adventures across the globe.
Our programme offers a great variety of experiences for angling enthusiasts, as well as catering for non-fishing companions. We also offer a programme of hosted fishing trips - see HERE for further details.
MAGGI SMIT
OWNER
Maggi grew up in Zimbabwe, surrounded by wildlife, lakes, and rivers. Her childhood holidays were filled with unforgettable fishing and wildlife experiences across Southern and Eastern Africa.
With a lifelong career in the travel industry, Maggi has had the opportunity to travel and fish extensively around the world. Some of her favourite fishing destinations include Florida, the Bahamas, Seychelles, Cuba, and Canada.
SIMON HOLME
FISHING MANAGER
Simon has been fishing since the age of 10 and had his first fly fishing lesson at 12. His passion for the sport grew throughout his teenage years, and while studying at the University of Exeter, he explored the rivers of Devon. He graduated in 2020 with first-class honours in Human Geography.
After university, Simon worked at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London for 18 months before pursuing his love of fishing full-time. He spent the 2022 season guiding for Atlantic salmon and sea trout on the Grimsa River in Southwest Iceland, followed by six months fishing for wild brown trout on New Zealand’s South Island.
Simon joined Go Fishing Worldwide in April 2023. His fishing adventures have taken him to Scotland, Iceland, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Kenya, Sweden, Canada, Zambia, and Mexico. In 2024, he returned to the Grimsa River for his third season as a guide.
TONY FOX
FISHING HOST
Tony is a friendly, down-to-earth person with a wealth of fishing knowledge and experience. He started fishing as a young child, learning the ropes from his father and grandfather. During his early years, he achieved notable success in coarse fishing competitions before transitioning to fly fishing, a passion he has pursued for over 40 years. Tony’s skills and dedication have earned him the honour of representing England five times.
Tony ventured into saltwater fishing 25 years ago and has since explored some of the world’s most exciting fisheries. He has fished extensively across the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Venezuela, Florida, and Cuba, gaining deep expertise in targeting species such as bonefish, tarpon, and permit.
Having worked with Go Fishing Worldwide for six years, Tony has hosted numerous successful trips, offering clients a fantastic experience both on and off the water. His approachable nature and exceptional knowledge make him a well respected host among our travellers.
COLIN MACLEOD
FISHING HOST
Colin Macleod is a highly respected UK fly fisherman, guide, and author with decades of experience. Raised fishing for the wild trout of Caithness and Sutherland, Colin developed a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty of Scotland’s rivers and lochs. Now based on the south coast of England, his passion has shifted to the wild fish inhabiting UK shorelines and the ongoing evolution of flies and techniques to catch them.
Mullet are fast becoming one of the most sought-after species for UK saltwater fly fishers, and Colin is a leading authority on targeting these elusive fish. His 2021 book, Mullet on the Fly, has been widely praised for its in-depth guidance on catching this challenging species, delivered with wit and humour that make it a joy to read.
In addition to his UK expertise, Colin has embraced saltwater fly fishing on the stunning flats of Cuba. He now shares his knowledge and enthusiasm by hosting unforgettable trips to Cuba with Go Fishing Worldwide, offering clients a unique chance to experience world-class saltwater fishing.
CHARLES JARDINE
FISHING HOST
Charles Jardine’s lifelong passion for fishing began at the age of three, with fly fishing following closely at six. After attending art school, he combined his creative talents with his love for angling, launching a career as a journalist and artist. Along the way, he became an accredited angling instructor, sharing his knowledge and inspiring countless anglers.
Charles is the author of Sotheby’s Guide to Fly Fishing, a best-selling book published in five languages and widely regarded as a cornerstone of the genre. His career spans decades in the fishing industry, with achievements including writing and illustrating numerous books, designing tackle, and competing for the England squad. Charles is also a founder of the Fishing for Schools programme, which introduces young people to the joys of fishing.
A regular contributor to Fly Fishing and Fly Tying, Charles writes extensively on the art and craft of angling. His blog for the Countryside Alliance further showcases his dedication to preserving fishing traditions and connecting with the wider countryside community.
Charles’ artistic talents have made him an acclaimed piscatorial artist, and he is the first living Brit to be inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame – a testament to his influence on the sport.
DAVE GROVE
FISHING HOST
Dave Grove has a wealth of experience in fly fishing that makes him an invaluable guide and host. He started fishing at the age of four and caught his first trout on the fly by six on a Dartmoor stream. This early success sparked a lifelong passion for fly fishing. In 1982, Dave qualified for the English Loch Style team, beginning an illustrious competitive career. He has since been crowned English National Loch Style Champion, English National River Champion, Commonwealth Champion, and European Grand Slam Champion. Since 1993, Dave has represented England in nearly every Commonwealth championship event and now manages the English Commonwealth Team.
A pioneer in saltwater fly fishing, Dave started fishing the waters of Florida in the 1970s before exploring the Bahamas, where he has fished almost every accessible island. The Bahamas remains his favourite destination for its exceptional bonefishing and beautiful surroundings.
As a host for Go Fishing Worldwide, Dave brings his extensive knowledge and mellow, considerate nature to every trip, ensuring clients have a relaxed and enjoyable experience on the water.
MARK BOWLER
FISHING HOST
Mark Bowler’s love for fishing began at the age of seven and has only grown since. He studied Fisheries at Edinburgh University and gained hands-on experience working at a trout hatchery and trout fishery. Since 1990, Mark has been the Publishing Editor of Fly Fishing & Fly Tying magazine, where his expertise and passion for the sport have made him a well-known figure in the fly fishing community.
Living in Dunkeld, just a spey cast away from the River Tay, Mark is perfectly placed to enjoy Scotland’s world-class salmon fishing. His genuine enthusiasm for the sport makes him a popular host for Go Fishing Worldwide, with his trips to Slovenia and the Bahamas attracting anglers year after year.
Mark’s friendly and easygoing personality ensures that his hosted trips are not only informative but also enjoyable, creating a relaxed atmosphere where clients can make the most of their time on the water.
JOHN OLAV OLDREN
FISHING HOST
Born in 1970, John Olav Oldren began fishing at the age of seven with his grandfather, developing a lifelong passion for the sport. In 1997, he purchased the family farm on the banks of the Verdal River from his mother and began fly fishing that same year.
Since 2000, John has served as the River Manager for the Verdal River, playing a key role in managing and preserving this beautiful waterway. In 2004, with the support of family and friends, John built Tingvoll Lodge, and in 2023, he expanded it to offer 10 single rooms. John is deeply committed to salmon conservation and has been an ambassador for the Atlantic Salmon Trust since 2022. He has worked tirelessly for the protection of wild salmon, serving on both local and national river boards.
Alongside his conservation efforts, John spent many years teaching construction, fly fishing, and hunting at the local high school. In 2021, he decided to focus entirely on Tingvoll Lodge, where he now works as a manager, guide, and chef.
Known for his excellent hospitality, John’s warm and welcoming nature has made him a favourite among Go Fishing Worldwide clients, who value both his expertise and the personal care he brings to every trip.
GO FISHING WORLDWIDE
2 Oxford House, 24 Oxford Road North
London, W4 4DH
Tel: 020 8742 1556
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