Emma Sparkes' Journey from Beauty Therapist to Fisherwoman
Emma Sparkes from Newport is a fisherwoman who sails from Aberdaugleddau and Dinbych y Pysgod in Pembrokeshire.
Her career has shifted dramatically from working as a beauty therapist for 14 years.
Despite her hair often being messy and the work being physically demanding, Emma enjoys being out at sea, she said.
'I've Come So Far'
Emma has always enjoyed eating a lot of fish, so when she met her partner Nolan in 2021, the fact that he was a fisherman was perfect – especially when he offered to catch a crab for her after their first date!
Due to Nolan's antisocial fishing hours, Emma decided to join him on the boats occasionally to experience the work firsthand.
She has since fallen in love with the entire process – so much so that she established her own fishing business after about three years, now selling her catch at a market stall, with dreams to expand.
"At first, I couldn't even touch a fish to throw it back into the sea," she explained. "Eventually, I was screaming as I threw it over the side!
"I've come so far. Now I do everything; driving the boat, cleaning the nets, cleaning the fish, hauling the nets in... There's nothing I don't do."
Emma now handles every aspect of fishing after initially fearing contact with fish.
Hard Work but Fun
Indeed, life has changed significantly for Emma, especially considering she used to work as a beauty therapist.
These days, Emma's hair is often tousled due to the wind, sea spray, and fish she handles. It is very different from her appearance when working in a spa, she said.
"My nails are terrible – they're in pieces now. The beauty days are truly behind me.
"Someone once messaged me saying 'I can't imagine Emma as a fisherwoman when I knew you as a beauty therapist!'"
Despite the big change, Emma loves her new work, even when it is dark and cold on the boat.
"In winter, you set the nets late at night and collect them in the early hours, and it can be so cold with the sea so rough because of the wind.
"At first, I used to feel sick. I took tablets once and was sleeping on my feet! So I don't take them anymore – you get used to it.
"Bad weather brings so much seaweed into the nets, and you spend hours pulling it out, which isn't much fun when it's pouring rain.
"But in summer, we go out around 9pm and come back around 4 or 5 in the morning.
"The fun part is chasing the fish either by using technology to spot shoals and shooting the net out and pulling it back immediately, or by watching the birds to see where the fish are.
"It's fun because you never know what or how much you'll catch. The anticipation is exciting."
Emma does not mind the hard work or the unpleasant smells that come with fishing, she said.
"It's really hard work because you pull up the anchors and about 200 fathoms of net full of fish, but it's a good workout!
"I gut the fish, and it doesn't bother me at all – I quite like getting dirty! When you do that, there's a smell from the fish stomach contents, but fresh fish don't smell bad.
"I've gotten used to it now, although the kids don't like coming into the area!"
Support from Old and New Friends
Nolan has been fishing since he was five years old, like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather before him, so he has been a good teacher for Emma.
However, Emma has also had to undergo official training, including health and safety, fire fighting, first aid, and sea safety – to ensure she is safe on the boat.
Alongside support from her partner and family, she has been welcomed into a close-knit fishing community.
"Everyone has been so supportive. Most people working in the industry are men – there are a few women, but I'm the only one doing everything and getting stuck in on the boats.
"There's a lovely community and everyone gets along. They pulled me ashore when the weather was bad once and I got sick; everyone knew by the time we came back to land! But they are so welcoming.
"My friends think I'm bonkers! But they're very supportive and think it's amazing."
Peace After the Busy Life
Of course, with the family living in Newport but fishing from Pembrokeshire, there is a lot of travel. And because Emma does fishing alongside a full-time job, life can be busy, she said. But when she is on the boat, it is worth all the busyness.
"Sometimes you just need to go fishing; if the waves, tides, and weather are good, it's better to go.
"Or you try to plan your week, and suddenly the weather is bad or the wind is in the wrong direction, so you can't go; there's no amount of fish worth risking your life for.
"So everything is all over the place. But I like the varied life.
Emma goes out every weekend and also sells at the market. She is lucky to have flexibility in her work and can work from Dinbych-y-Pysgod on her laptop. In summer, she fishes through the night and works during the day.
"But, of course, if I could choose, I'd focus on fishing full-time. It's so good for your wellbeing, not being stuck at a laptop all day, and all the rushing around we do.
"Yes, it's hard work, but you're not at home, you're not stuck in traffic, and you don't have people on the phone.
"It can be fast and busy, but it's so peaceful when you're out on the boat and see the sunset and sunrise, dolphins swimming alongside you, seals following the boat because they want your fish.
"It's a lovely world out there, truly. I'm so lucky."
Follow Cymru Fyw on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok.
Send any story ideas to cymrufyw@bbc.co.uk or contact via WhatsApp on 07709850033.
for the latest from Wales on your mobile device.
Also of Interest
- One day fishing with Gari from Caernarfon
- Hannah Stone's career change: From harpist to gym enthusiast
