For those who know Kev Miles I will defend his honour and modesty now by firmly stating this: no brown paper bags full of money have changed hands and he had no hand in this piece being written.

Similarly for the hardened "lifer" anglers and the bivvy boys it is probably best you keep dangling your bait, because most of this will doubtless be obvious or just plain basic. However, if like me you are just returning or have recently come back to fishing, there may be a connection and this might actually be of some use.

My halcyon days were in the Fens of Boston as a lad. From around the age of 8 (1971) to around 16 I fished every day of the season, hours on end, 4 a.m. onwards, loved it. For the real aficionados amongst you - the greats of the lightly fished Witham, Welland, Forty Foot, Glen and Sibsey Trader to name a few - full of wonderful fish.

And then I stopped. Like most - a combination of soccer, birds and then a job. I was also aware that a change was going on, where many of the waters I loved and roamed amongst freely were seemingly becoming "bought up" by Sheffield syndicates, restricting their use. This is by no means a criticism of anything or anyone, simply as a local boy, not being able to fish the waters I loved was something I didn't really understand.

The intervening years (to 2004) were fishing free, making a life, career and doing all the usual things lads do until the fateful day my old and increasingly infirm Dad decided his fishing days were drawing to a close and that he should pass is gear on to me. To be honest I would rather have had golf clubs but knowing how much he loved fishing I accepted and offered to take him out for a session to test them out, little knowing that Pandora's box was about to be re-opened. We caught a netful and moreover the old thrill of seeing the stick float going under and feeling the fish on the line came flooding back in spades.

It was also blindingly obvious that in the intervening 25 years angling had become unrecognisable. In my day it was simply rod, line, float, hook and worms, bread or maggots. The development of bait, equipments, techniques was simply too much to really understand and what most modern anglers take for granted was simply another language to me. I then decided that I needed information and probably some help - but where from?

The first good move I made was to buy a couple of DVD's by Bob Nudd. On one of them he was fishing with a pole - something that really didn't exist when I was a lad. Having asked around the very strong suggestion was that pole fishing was something I really should pursue, so I did some further research which in all honesty completely bamboozled me. Top 2's and 3's, 8-10 elastics, match 5's, bushes, diamond eye threaders - not a clue.

My second good move - no outstanding move - was to see whether there was such a thing as a fishing coach. I reasoned that most other sports had coaches, so apart from ringing Bob Nudd and asking him for a lesson, who else was out there? Being based in Derby I wanted someone local. I had a cast around on the Internet and came across a site that looked interesting. Having put in my details I received a message back from Kevin Miles suggesting that perhaps a coaching session would be useful. Bearing in mind this is now mid winter and I have never ever fished in winter, I had some fears that trying to catch anything might be a bit of a damp squib.

However three things stood out for me. Firstly Kev's incredible confidence and enthusiasm for this. OK so there was possibly financial benefit for him, but that aside his obvious love for the sport made a real impression on me. Secondly, his home fishery (Barlow) was in a place I knew and loved. Having lived and worked in Chesterfield for 7 years - albeit without ever knowing there was a fishery at Barlow - and loved every minute, it would be a bit like going home. Finally, he offered to provide everything I needed, including a go with his own pole and also to accompany me to the tackle shop to advise on some gear - as I had set my heart on buying a pole of my own.

February 3rd dawned. Dark, -1C and I thought what the hell am I doing? Turning up at Barlow to find no other anglers but the very welcoming site of the cabin, hot drinks and a cooked breakfast menu to die for soon cheered me up. Kev appeared like a North Derbyshire Crocodile Dundee and after a sausage butty it was time to go. Not before though having been introduced to everyone who mattered at Barlow, a nice touch and I would urge anyone who has never visited this complex to get down there - lovely people and outstanding fishing.

The session involved me in using kit I had never ever seen before and for those who know pole fishing is nothing really like rod and reel. It was though rather novel - me a 42 year old Corporate Banker - being made to do absolutely everything, working out how to set up, erect a pole roller and manage a 13 metre pole - all of which when new is somewhat challenging. In the end going in at the deep end is probably the best way to learn. Kev was there every step of the way and no question seemed too daft, and there were a few daft ones. Without going into minute detail, bearing in mind my expectation was simply to avoid hypothermia, catching 9 fish 9 (and in good condition) in around 90 minutes having never ever caught anything after September, was a top result. The key was it gave me the opportunity to have a look at kit I didn't know about, to make mistakes with someone to bail me out and to find out facts that would probably have been lost on me.

After the session Kevin accompanied me to Climax Tackle and gave me great advice in buying a new pole and all the tackle to go with it, saving me money in the process and also making sure that I got the right start in this form of fishing. Having had some of the terminology explained to me I realised actually it was more straightforward that I had thought.

My first time out with the new pole saw the highlight of a tench over 3lb - lucky doubtlessly - but an entirely new way of fishing and not without its nerves, given the cost of the gear. The great thing is that Kev e-mailed me to see how things had gone and in the intervening weeks has been in touch to answer any further queries and also provide further tips. He is clearly bonkers about fishing but I guess that helps.

By the way, the cost of my session was just £25. Apart from the coaching time, all kit and bait was included and I also received a discount at Climax on the tackle. I can honestly say that has to be the steal of the century.

So what are the overriding messages?

If you are newly back to fishing or are thinking of maybe changing techniques or buying new gear - it will save you time, money and stress if you spend just a morning with a fishing coach like Kev. Apart from the opportunity to fish with proper supervision, the amount of information you can find is worth the money itself. Moreover having someone to bounce things off regularly is really useful. I am going back to Barlow in March to fish with Kev, this time for pleasure and maybe to show him how I have taken to the pole. I have no doubts I will be learning still more.

Catch yourself a coach, it could take you "Miles". It will certainly save you time and pain, it's fun and I guarantee it's the best £25 you will spend. And don't be shy, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of, Kev answered every silly question with patience and doubtless a good deal of humour, after all he tells me he is King of the Gudgeon - now there's a boast..

Regards

Steve Shipp