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.”