6 riverside date ideas that are ‘fisherman friendly’

From mud larking to riverbank foraging, explore these 6 river-based date ideas that can also appeal to the anglers in your life.

With over 1.1 million Brits likely to soon ‘disappear’ into the solitude of the nation’s rivers, streams and canals as the coarse fishing season opens, luring the keen angler away from the riverbank or canal towpath for a date may prove a challenge.

Here at Muddy Matches, we enjoy a good challenge as much as we we enjoy inspiring couples to spend more time together. So, we’ve compiled a list of six river-based date ideas that can also appeal to those anglers in your life, and (hopefully) keep them close, whilst still in their comfort zone near water.

Here’s our list of date ideas that will complement the fishing lifestyle and provide plenty of romantic and enjoyable couples activities.

Picnic by the river
A staple for any list of countryside date ideas – but for good reason. Find a scenic spot along the riverbank and enjoy a picnic together among the peace. The angler in your life will appreciate a change of scenery and focus, away from their set up, for a while – and likely some company – but somewhere close by for when the bite alarms go off.

Riverbank foraging
Foraging is fast becoming a popular hobby date with many singles into sustainable living on Muddy Matches – and the nation’s network of riverbanks provides a great feast of edible plants, herbs, and wild fruits to discover and try together – if you know what to look for. Look out for watercress, elderflowers, wild garlic and tart, lemony sorrel.

Mud larking treasure hunt
Another outdoor adventure hobby that it is growing in popularity but provides an entertaining and different date idea. Mudlarking involves a scavenger hunt for historic artifacts in the mud and sediment of riverbeds and along stretches of river with historical significance. Permissions are likely needed but as muddy dates go, river treasure hunting captures the imagination.

River Swimming
If the weather, and local legislation, permits, and you’re both keen swimmers, find a safe and suitable spot for a bracing slow-moving river swim or wild wade. Wild swimming is a hot trend right now, and river swimming takes it to a new level. It’s character building that’s for sure.

Riverside Dining
The nation’s riverways are well set up for al fresco eating, so look out for a riverside restaurant or café where you can meet up, and enjoy a romantic meal together after a day’s fishing. Select a place with outdoor seating and a view of the river. Be prepared to listen about the day’s hit and likely misses.

Explore 2,000 miles of canal towpath
Fishermen chasing roach, bream, perch, and pike will likely turn to nation’s network of canals in pursuit of landing their choice catch. Canal fishing is popular, and this offers plenty of outdoor date opportunities on the 2,000 miles of canal towpath. Canal garden spotting, locks, aqueducts, bridges, boatyards, industrial heritage features and public art sculptures make for excellent end points on afternoon walks or bike rides together. The canal side scene is often one of a country pub too!

As the UK’s well trusted, original online home of countryside dating, Muddy Matches is the perfect place to net a fisherman to date.

Explore our 10 REASONS WHY FISHERMAN ARE A GOOD CATCH whilst online dating with us.