Alex Henderson, the founder and chief editor of The Fishing Essentials. Born and raised around the salt-sprayed shores of Newfoundland, Canada, Alex was hooked to fishing before he could tie his own shoelaces. Now, he's turned that lifelong passion into a fishing treasure trove that has become an essential bookmark for anglers around the globe.
Cast back to when Alex was just a 7-year-old lad, and you'd find him at his granddad's side, learning to bait hooks and reel in fish big and small. By his teenage years, the local fishing community was already taking tips from him, whether he was fly fishing in a crystal-clear stream or battling a marlin out in the deep blue.
After getting his Marine Biology degree and keen to take his understanding of his finned friends deeper, he dove headfirst into a Master's in Environmental Science, studying the impact of us two-legged creatures on the fishing world.
As a marine biologist, Alex fought for the future of local fisheries. But there was a story-teller in him, waiting to surface. He found he could tell tales that made folks feel like they were right there on the water with him. In 2016, he decided to merge his love for fishing, writing, and preserving Mother Nature’s aquatic beauty, creating the blog Reel Time Adventures, which was later renamed to The Fishing Essentials.
The Fishing Essentials quickly evolved from a logbook of his fishing tales to an essential manual for any angler worth their salt. This one-stop-shop delivers the know-how on everything fishing-related, from gear reviews, insider tips and tricks, to conservation updates, all peppered with Alex’s gripping yarns from his own adventures.
On top of the blog, Alex has also contributed to a pair of books that every angler should have on their shelf: "Angler's Almanac: A Comprehensive Guide for the Modern Fisherman" and "Sea Change: The Future of Fisheries and How We Can Make a Difference. Both are jam-packed with practical tips and a hearty dose of his passion for a sustainable fishing future.
When he's not casting a line or pounding the keyboard, you'll find Alex hosting fishing workshops, lobbying for our underwater friends, or volunteering with local fish restoration initiatives. No matter how many fish he's caught or words he's written, his favorite place remains the same - quiet, peaceful, with just the water for company and a rod in hand, waiting for that tell-tale tug.