When Darts Legends Go Fishing: Littler Swaps Bulls-Eyes for Bull Riding

By Lewis Barnett 29 July, 2025 4 mins read 162 Views

Honestly? I never thought I'd see the day when Luke Littler would be more interested in catching fish than hitting 180s.

But there I was, scrolling through footage from the 13th Target Sports Stars Fishing Championship at Tunnel Barn Farm Lake in Warwickshire, watching the 18-year-old phenom sitting under an umbrella with a Coke in one hand and fishing rod in the other. Two days after pocketing £200,000 from his World Matchplay win in Blackpool, the kid's out here trying to reel in actual fish instead of those metaphorical "Big Fish" 170 checkouts he's famous for.

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Barry Hearn: The 77-Year-Old Cowboy Nobody Asked For

The real star of this whole thing wasn't even Littler, though.

Barry Hearn – yes, that Barry Hearn, the sports promoter who's been around since darts was played in actual pubs – decided to climb onto a mechanical bull. At 77. Wearing a cowboy hat. I'm not making this up.

The man lasted exactly seven seconds before getting bucked off, grinning like he'd just discovered the fountain of youth. My back hurts just thinking about it, and I'm half his age. Poor guy's probably still feeling that ride, but you've got to respect the commitment to the bit.

From Oche to... Fishing Umbrella?

Littler showed up wearing a custom Target fishing hoodie with "Luke Littler MBE" printed on the back (which, let's be honest, is pretty presumptuous since he hasn't actually received an MBE yet, but whatever). He was joined by fellow world champions Rob Cross and Adrian Lewis, though neither of them attempted any rodeo stunts.

The whole event was raising money for the Willow Foundation and Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity. These leukodystrophies are absolutely brutal – rare degenerative disorders that attack the brain's white matter, leading to loss of motor function, paralysis, and often early death. Heavy stuff that puts darts drama into perspective.

Australia's Next, But First... This

What gets me is how normal this all seemed for Littler. Kid's enjoying his rare week off before flying to Australia for his next big tournament, and he chooses to spend it fishing with a bunch of other darts players. Not partying in Ibiza or buying a Ferrari with his prize money – just sitting by a lake in Warwickshire with some bait and a fizzy drink.

There's something refreshingly ordinary about it all.

The article I read kept making these terrible fishing puns ("angling for success," "Catch of the Day Down Under"), which honestly made me cringe a bit. But watching Hearn bounce off that mechanical bull? That was worth the price of admission alone.

Why This Actually Matters

Look, I know this sounds like just another celebrity charity event. But here's the thing – these guys didn't have to show up. Littler especially could've been anywhere in the world right now, basking in his Matchplay glory.

Instead, he's sitting by a lake helping raise money for kids with devastating neurological conditions. The charity work Target Darts does with Alex TLC isn't just a photo op – these families are dealing with unimaginable challenges, watching their children lose basic functions most of us take for granted.

You can donate at justgiving.com/page/target-darts-alex if you're so inclined.

Sometimes the best stories happen when nobody's keeping score.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?

This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

Statistics

In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.

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How To

Throwing Technique: The Basics

The perfect dart throw is all about consistency. Your arm should move like a pendulum, with the elbow as the pivot point. The dart should travel in a straight line toward the target, not in an arc.