How one UK family turned a leaky boat and a love of fishing into a cross-continental adventure.
Not every fishing team starts with a £75 boat and a SpongeBob reference. But then again, not every fishing team is Team Squidward.
Based on the south coast of the UK, Team Squidward—Darren, Caz, and their teenage son Luke—spend nearly all their spare time on the water. What began as a weekend hobby quickly evolved into a competitive family crew repping some of the biggest names in the marine world, including Mustang Survival, Suzuki Marine, Lowrance, and Shimano.
Their boat, Squidward 3, isn’t just a vessel—it’s a floating family caravan, a mobile basecamp for everything from offshore competitions to beachside fish fries. And in 2025, they’re taking it to France and the Mediterranean for their biggest adventure yet.
A £75 Start and a Lot of Duct Tape
Twelve years ago, they placed a blind bid on a rain-soaked fishing boat and trailer. It wasn’t pretty, but it floated. They patched her up, launched from Calshot, and named her Squidward—naturally—because SpongeBob was on the telly and Luke was still in toddler mode.
Since then, the family has moved through three boats, each one marking a new chapter. Today, their Beneteau Antares 8, affectionately known as Squidward 3, is fully kitted out and ready for whatever the sea throws their way.
From Messing Around to Making a Name
Team Squidward has spent over a decade fishing the UK’s rugged coastlines—from the wilds of Scotland to the calm stretches of the Solent. Along the way, they’ve carved out a name for themselves as a close-knit, hardworking crew who fish hard, laugh often, and always show up with heart.
Recent wins include:
- Caz taking Top Lady Angler at the 2025 Sea Angling Classic
- Luke landing a 170cm tope at the 2024 Clash in Scotland
- Earning a Bluefin Tuna catch and release license in 2025 (with hope for a tagging license in the future)—opening the door to exciting new research-focused opportunities
Sea Angler Magazine features their story regularly, with Luke appearing on multiple covers and Darren contributing gear reviews and features. They also document their day-to-day on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram—offering a glimpse into the real-life highs (and occasional bait-scented lows) of fishing as a family.
Fishing in Conditions—and Staying Safe and Dry Doing It
UK anglers know the drill: one minute; it’s sunny and calm; the next, you’re soaked, freezing, and battling sideways wind. That’s why Mustang Survival has become Team Squidward’s go-to for technical marine clothing and safety gear.
Their go-to setup includes:
- Atlas 190 Life Jacket
- Taku Waterproof Jacket
- Taku Waterproof Bibs
- Adelphi UV Protection Layers
The flexibility of the system is what Darren, Caz, and Luke appreciate most. Layer up at 5 a.m., strip down when the sun hits, zip up again when the squalls roll in. All while staying dry, warm, and focused on the fish.
Shop the Suzuki Fishing Team Angling Collection.
Why It Matters
For Team Squidward, it’s never just been about the catch. It’s about time together. About teaching a kid how to rig a rod—or a winch. About memories made in salt-soaked gear and late-night tackle prep. It’s about family adventure, shared learning, and chasing what makes you feel alive.
And most importantly, proving that you don’t need to start big to achieve great things.
What’s Next: Team Squidward Goes International
In summer 2025, Team Squidward is taking their first international trip—trailering Squidward 3 to France and continuing south into the Mediterranean. It’s a leap from their usual waters but one they’re ready for.
They’ll be fishing new coastlines, meeting fellow anglers, and sharing the entire journey with their online community—gear, stories, and mishaps included.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Packing for the trip—What to Bring, What to Leave, and How to Keep Everyone Smiling.
Follow Their Journey:
