A Novices Tale

Great article in Anglers Mail about the coaching at Poringland Lakes
sent in by one of my learners.

A Novice's Tale
My son Daniel, 15, had been pestering me some time to take him fishing but having never even been myself, I had absolutely no clue where to start, what to use, where to go or what to do. A friend told me about the brilliant day he had with his children at one of the family days at Poringland Lakes, saying how informative and friendly it was, but unfortunately, I couldn't make any of the planned dates. Still determined to start fishing and with Dan in my ear, I explored the Lakes' website and found out that they had volunteer angling coaches who could offer sessions at virtually next to nothing - just a donation to cover basic expenses.


I was so impressed by this, that I emailed Mark Casto, the Head Coach, for more details and he got in back in touch with me straight away, arranging a 2-hour beginners' coaching session for me and my son, the following Sunday. Mark geared the session specifically around our needs, which was amazing. He took us step-by-step through everything required to start fishing successfully at Poringland, guiding us through the kinds of equipment we'd need from bait to pole types, and then onto the basic techniques of catching a fish. Everything was explained in an understandable way with lots of opportunities to ask questions and we even managed a bite or two whilst we were there.


It was a brilliant learning experience as I would never have had a clue about how to get into angling otherwise and would never have dared venture into a tackle shop for fear of looking silly. I've now ordered a margin pole and can't wait to get using it with Dan at the Lakes. Mark has stayed in touch and continues to offer us tips and guidance from his many years of angling experience, which is very much valued and appreciated. Thank you to Poringland Lakes for starting me and my son on our journey into fishing, which I'm sure will give us years of enjoyment and challenge to come, plus I'll now be able to show the grandchildren what to do when the time comes.

The wonder of a river

My last coaching session with Adam and Martin was on my local river at Beccles and it proved a great session with a nice little bag of Perch. What fantastic fish Perch are and Martin and Adam had a great time learning to catch them. We also caught a lovely Gudgion at the end of the day and I was able to show Martin that this was the fish on his rod licence.

 Coaching is so rewarding at times and my work with Martin and his carer Adam has been a great pleasure. So to get awarded the star letter in Improve your Coarse fishing Magazine this month was the icing on the cake.

Rufus and the river monsters, well almost

COACHING

Rufus and the River Monsters

For weeks seven-year-old Rufus has crazed his Mum and Dad to take him fishing after avidly watching every episode of the television hit series River Monsters. 

So what better way to celebrate his eighth birthday on Saturday morning than for young Rufus to have his first ever fishing experience, under the watchful eye of Angling Trust coach Mark Casto. 

A bitterly cold day with a biting easterly wind and ice floating on the surface didn’t deter ultra keen Rufus or his Mum and Dad as they took shelter behind Mark’s giant umbrella. 

The trying conditions would have tested even the most experienced match angler but thankfully young Rufus did manage to catch a few fish and by all accounts, is now even more hooked! 

Perhaps the whole session was best summed up by Mum and Dad, Ben and Hettie who said: 

“Thank you so very much for a wonderful morning. It was just perfect.  Rufus absolutely loved the experience and went to bed talking about the rudd and two roach he landed. We all learnt so much.  It truly was a brilliant introduction to angling and Rufus is already asking about the next time we can go. He loved his birthday treat. Thank you for making it such an inspiring, informative and accessible session... despite the freezing conditions.” 

Coach Casto was equally enthusiastic. 

"Introducing youngsters into the wonderful world of angling is so rewarding, one of the main reasons I enjoy coaching so much. Rufus was a top class student and was thrilled to bits to catch his first fish.  Conditions were tough though as it was so cold and he had to concentrate hard to succeed but when he landed his first fish, a small rudd, his Mum and Dad were really happy for him, as was I.  They all enjoyed their first coaching lesson at Poringland Lakes and I am sure will visit us again soon.”