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.
