Teenagers catch the angling bug
Two
13 year-old youngsters from Rainworth near Mansfield have expressed their
appreciation for the kind assistance that has been extended to them by
two local anglers.
In our capacity as regional coaches for the National Federation of Anglers
(NFA), Ken Stevenson and I volunteered our services to assist David Bainbridge
and Darius Miller in their efforts to undergo an introductory coaching
session in the basic techniques of coarse angling.
All of our coaching activities are sponsored and supported by the Grafton
Angling Association and by Worksop and District Anglers’ Association.
Last November the two youngsters were introduced to fishing on the Chesterfield
Canal when they visited the Lock Keeper section courtesy of the Grafton
Angling Association.
On that occasion they were taught how to use the pole and waggler method.
During the activity they caught 56 fish between them, and considering
the time of year and the conditions they were confronted with at that
time, it was an exceptional achievement for their very first outing.
On Sunday of last week, Ken and I took them on to Sandhill Lake, courtesy
of Worksop and District Anglers Association where they were introduced
to the techniques of feeder fishing in deep water and ‘whip’
fishing in the margins.
Their target for the day was to try and catch a selection of surface feeding
fish, mid water feeders and bottom feeding fish.
On arrival, we were confronted with a North Easterly wind that was anticipated
to become very strong during the day’s activities.
So as not to make it too easy for them we opted to face the wind head
on fishing from peg 25 and 26. The decision proved to be the correct one
as they managed to catch 54 fish between them.
They caught a selection of bream (biggest around 1.25lbs), carp, gudgeon,
perch, roach, rudd, and skimmers, some running to 8oz in weight. They
achieved their aims and objectives and they were highly delighted with
the outcome.
As Worksop and District Anglers Association are an organisation that fully
complies with all of the Child Protection and Duty of Care Policies, David
and Darius were asked to use the new buoyancy jackets that were recently
acquired through the Awards For All Lottery Grant.
These garments proved very successful without any interference to their
angling movements.
Look out for vandals
Unknown
individuals are subjecting the Grafton Angling Association waters of the
Chesterfield Canal to serious vandalism.
The culprits are causing havoc by opening lock gates and lifting the gate
paddles causing a severe drop in water levels that could have an adverse
effect on the resident fish stocks in this prestigious fishery.
All permit holders and local anglers are asked to be vigilant as they
are walking along the canal towpath from Shireoaks, Rhodesia or even around
the town centre, Canal Road and Garside Street.
If you observe or witness anything untoward please contact any of the
committee members or British Waterways on 01909 489145.
Normanton on Trent
The association
is looking for a party of willing volunteers to help the Executive Committee
to carry on with their repair work on the approach lane at Normanton on
Trent.
This fishery is potentially one of the flagships for the association but
it is in desperate need of some emergency maintenance work.
Now is the time for members to show their support by putting their shoulders
to the wheel to help out with this worthwhile exercise. Anyone interested
in helping out should put their name forward by contacting secretary Derek
Brown on 01909 474940.
Triathlon Dates
Local
youngsters above 10 and under 16 years of age should note that the dates
and venues for the 2002 Triathlon competition are as follows: match one
– Saturday 10th August on Sandhill Lake, match two – Saturday
24th August on the Chesterfield Canal, match Three – Saturday 28th
September on the Chesterfield Canal.
The presentation night will be held on Thursday 24th October 2002. Tickets
are available from all three tackle shops and further details are available
from Garry Butt on 01909 770546.
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Yours in Sport Glyn |