A BARROW fisherman is hoping to net a ‘unique and prestigious’ honour at this year's Fishing News Awards.

Jack Marklew, who owns a fishing business called A&J Fresh Fish Ltd with his partner Amy Farish, is in the running for ‘Under 10 Meter Fishermen of the Year’.

Jack and Amy quit their jobs during the Covid pandemic to pursue making a living on fishing.

After leaving a successful career as a CNC machinist and programmer, Jack bought a little boat and the pair set up their own seafood business.

They now supply Walney Island shellfish, lobster, crab and a variety of wet fish to the public as well as the surrounding businesses and restaurants.

Jack told FN that it was a ‘massive learning curve’ but the couple always go out there, get stuck in and do their best.

He said: “We’re doing side jobs to keep the money coming in for new gear and pots so we can expand and we’re always coming up with new ideas to try.”

The Fishing News Awards 2024 will gather the ‘very best’ in the industry to celebrate on Wednesday, May 8.

The evening will take place at The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, beginning with a drinks reception, followed by a gourmet UK-caught seafood meal and wine, after which celebrity host Fred MacAulay will entertain guests and present the winners.

The event is dedicated to recognising achievement, innovation and success across 12 categories.

In his nomination, Jack was described as ‘always striving to invest more into his business, whether it’s in different types of gear or purchasing a specialist shellfish tank to enable him to keep his catch in perfect condition’.

Amy said: “It's a unique and prestigious award in the fishing industry and not something that anyone in the North West has been nominated for.”

Jack said he was ‘over the moon’ to be nominated for the award.

He said: “It’s a difficult industry to get into but the love of doing - it is everything. It’s all I want to do.”

Visit https://fishingnews.co.uk/awards to vote for Jack