Reeling in the big fish literally: Not only 170's for Luke Littler, shows prowess in annual fishing championship

Luke Littler has added yet another trophy to his now impressive list of honors. This time, however, the world number one wasn’t at the oche winning the World Matchplay but on the water’s edge. At the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship, the reigning world champion helped Team Target to the overall victory at the United Kingdom’s largest and most prestigious annual charity fishing event.

Littler swapped his darts for a rod and, together with former world champions Adrian Lewis and Rob Cross, as well as Target Darts chairman Garry Plummer, formed the successful Team Target. The quartet outpaced a field packed with famous sportspeople and celebrities, including Barry Hearn, former goalkeeper David Seaman, and snooker legend Steve Davis.

It was a double celebration for Team Target. Alongside the team title, Adrian Lewis also won the individual standings. The two-time world champion landed an impressive 111-pound fish during the four-hour match, emphatically sealing the individual crown. The Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship took place on Tuesday, 28/7 at Tunnel Barn Fisheries and appeared on the calendar for the fourteenth time. The event is not only about sport, but above all aims to raise money for charity.

This year’s target was 40,000 pounds, but thanks to the efforts of all participants and supporters, that figure was comfortably surpassed. In the end, an impressive 50,000 pounds was raised for, among others, The Willow Foundation, St Francis Hospice, Haven House, the Ricky Hatton Foundation, and Alex – The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Organizer Jess Harding, who is also chair of JBD Media & Events, looked back on the 2026 edition with great satisfaction. "This year’s event - our 14th - was without doubt the biggest and best championship to date. I want to thank all the amazing sports stars and celebrities that show up each year and get stuck in, you make this event truly special."

According to Harding, the darting contingent proved their talent extends beyond the oche. "It was a great year for the darts boys who demonstrated that their equally at home on the lake as they are at the oche, but it was a close run thing… the Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship gets more competitive every year.”"

Littler himself took to his Instagram with photos of it including his girlfriend Faith Millar catching a fish herself. "Quality day on the lakes for @sportsstarsfishing. Stay tuned to see how @targetdarts got on, plus @faithmillarr even caught some afterwards class day."