Love on the Line: How a Fishing Trip Became a Lifetime Commitment

Ah, Cornwall. Land of cream teas, craggy coastlines, and the occasional pasty-fuelled seagull assault. But for those of us who are drawn to the sea, not just for the views but for what swims beneath, Cornwall is a place where the fishing is as legendary as the landscape. Now, I've seen a lot in my time running Cornwall Fishing Adventures—many a fish wrangled, many a boot hauled up from the deep—but last week, I witnessed something entirely new.

This is a tale of love, a ring, and the most nerve-wracking fishing session of my life. Let me introduce you to our protagonists, Richard and Debbie.

These two are regular visitors to Cornwall, driven by an undying love for fishing that borders on obsession. They’ve fished everywhere from the Cornish coast to inland rivers and lakes, never tiring of the thrill of the catch. But on this particular visit, things were going to take a turn that no amount of bait and tackle could prepare them for.

The scene was set in the picturesque southeast of Cornwall, a hidden gem of a location where the trees arch over the path like an entrance to Narnia, and the air is so fresh it practically sparkles. We were making our way through a lush woodland, the kind of place where you half expect to see hobbits popping out from behind a bush.

Richard sidled up next to me, casting a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure Debbie was sufficiently out of earshot. Then, in a voice so casual it was as though he were discussing the weather, he dropped a bombshell: "So, I'm going to propose today... while we're fishing on the rocks."

Now, as a fishing guide, I've been prepared for all manner of things: sudden changes in weather, tangled fishing lines, the occasional overly enthusiastic seagull swooping in for a free lunch. But this? This was a curveball. I kept my cool. At least, I think I did. I probably didn't. But in my mind, I was the very embodiment of calm and collected. "You’re… you're what?" I sputtered. "Yep," Richard said, still in that maddeningly serene tone, as though discussing the finer points of bait. "Got a cheap ring off of Amazon (in case I lose it) and everything. I’m going to tie it to my fishing line, pretend I've caught it, and then pop the question. Can you, you know, video it? And keep an eye on the baby."

Right. Simple enough. I mean, how hard could it be? Just casually manage an engagement, film the whole thing, and, oh yeah, keep a human baby alive. No pressure.

There are moments in life when you’re given a mission that requires nerves of steel, like dismantling a bomb, delivering a baby, or trying to parallel park a car while someone watches. This was one of those moments. My brain, now fully engaged, was screaming, "OMG. Don’t panic. It will all be fine. Just... don’t. mess. it. up."

For context, imagine the scenario: standing on rocks that are more slippery than a politician’s promise, trying to keep a straight face while secretly filming one of the most important moments of two people’s lives—all while ensuring their offspring doesn’t crawl into the sea. Oh my days.

The Craggy Cornish Coast

We arrived at the rocky outcrop, the sea glinting in the sunlight, as if it too was in on the surprise. Richard, as planned, ‘accidentally’ hooks the ring. Now, if you’ve ever been fishing, you’ll know that part of the allure is the suspense—the waiting, the quiet thrill of wondering what might be on the end of your line. Well, Rich took this suspense to a whole new level.

I whipped out my phone, doing my best impression of a man casually checking his messages, while in reality, I was capturing every moment like a nature documentary filmmaker waiting for the lion to pounce. And then it happened.

The line jerked and Richard reeled in the catch of a lifetime. “Look what I’ve caught!” he exclaimed, holding out his fishing rod, lure dangling complete with a sparkly ring as if it were a trophy bass. Debbie’s eyes went wide, her brain no doubt trying to process how on earth a ring had ended up on the end of a fishing line. But Richard didn’t give her much time to ponder the logistics. He dropped to one knee (precariously, I might add, given the slippery rocks) and popped the question.

Now, I’ve witnessed a lot of things on these fishing trips—exuberant celebrations after landing a big fish, quiet moments of reflection staring at the sea, even the occasional tantrum when someone’s line gets hopelessly tangled (and yes, I am including adults here). But never have I seen such a perfect mix of emotions as on Debbie’s face at that moment—disbelief, joy, laughter and emotion.

And then, without any hesitation, she said yes. A big, hearty yes that was carried on in the breeze for the seagulls and, it seemed, the whole coast to hear. Cue the spontaneous round of applause from a nearby couple who’d been spectating (apparently, there’s no such thing as a private moment on the Cornish coast). They rushed over to offer their congratulations, while I silently celebrated the fact that I had neither lost the baby nor fallen into the sea during the proposal.

So, there we were, on the edge of the world, two anglers newly engaged, surrounded by the sparkling sea, the steady rhythm of the waves, and a fishing session that none of us will ever forget. Honestly, I’m not sure if it was the fishing or the love story that made it one of the most epic days I’ve had as a guide. And if you’re wondering, the cheap Amazon ring held up just fine. Although I suspect that at some point, Debbie will be getting something a little shinier. For now, though, she’s got a fish tale like no other—and a fiancé who knows how to reel in more than just fish.

The Perfect Adventure

So here’s to Richard and Debbie—may all your catches be plentiful, your lines strong, and your love as endless as the Cornish coastline.

To anyone else out there planning a fishing trip with us at Cornwall Fishing Adventures, remember: we do proposals, nannying, and, oh yes—plenty of fish too.

I suppose it was only a matter of time before fishing and romance collided in such a spectacular way. It was one of those perfect days. Love was in the air (and the water), fish were caught, and two people who adore each other—and the sport—made a lifelong commitment in the very place they love most: the rugged, windswept, fish-filled coast of Cornwall.

Richard Lands the Catch of His Life