Taster weekend really enjoyable
To get
National Fishing Week off to a flying start, I popped over to Barlow Fisheries
to witness an angling taster weekend held for beginners and experienced
alike.
I was invited to attend and give a fly-casting demonstration and, in addition,
to give casting tuition.
Considering that National Fishing Week was primarily (in conjunction with
the EA and NFA and curiously) centred at coarse fishing, I was at times
overwhelmed with people wishing to learn how to cast a fly. Some were
indeed as young as five years old and others who were in their senior
citizenship.
A common question I ask first is: “What are you, right or left handed”?
Some of the kiddies were unsure so I said to them: “Which hand do
you throw stones with?” which got the required response.
“Oh, you throw stones do you?” I said, which brought some laughs
from the queue of people waiting their turn.
The whole event was a success and many others gave up their time free
of charge in aid of encouraging beginners into our sport.
There were loads of demonstrations, displays, competitions, trade stands
and expert tuition by some of the area’s top anglers.
Coaching came from professional NFA Angling Instructors Ken Stevenson,
Kevin Miles, Carl Bamford and Dave Dorning.
“Angling is one of the most enjoyable pastimes in the world. It teaches
youngsters about wildlife, the importance of a clean environment and provides
healthy entertainment for all ages,” said Rex Ward of Barlow Fisheries.
“As with most activities, it’s good to learn young and learn
correctly. Our aim is to teach people the right way to fish and, through
that, how to care for the environment.”
The weekend show ended with a friendly ‘fish off’ competition
between the instructors and the Barlow staff on one of the coarse ponds,
which included myself.
The rules were one point per fish. So, armed with my fly rod, floating
line and a single maggot tied to a three foot cast and a size 20 hook
cadged from Ken Stevenson, I helped my team win by skilfully extracting
two small skerrit Rudd from a really duff peg!
The organiser, Kevin Miles, suggested I should be awarded two points per
fish because of my handicap of using a fly rod. I replied: “I think
three points would be fairer!” Fortunately my extras were not needed.
The fish-off results were as follows:
Barlow Bailiffs - Ben (four fish), Will (nil), Muppet (one), Mick (eight).
NFA Coaches - Dave Dorning (two), Carl Bamford (five), Kevin Miles (six),
Ken Stevenson (five), Martin Introna (two).
By the way, organiser Kevin Miles admitted: “Yes, we did put you
on a rubbish peg Martin - but at least you still managed to catch!”
Notice Board
Greg Forrester, new
owner of Worksop Angling Supplies on Retford Road would like to pass on
his thanks to the following clubs and individuals for their continued
support throughout the first three months of his new venture into the
tackle business.
Worksop Angling Supplies, Batchelors AC, Shireoaks Anglers AC, Hodthorpe
AC, Greyhound AC, Manton AC, Worksop disabled Anglers AC, Kilton Piscatorials,
Lord Byron AC, and the newly formed Forresters AC.
Special thanks go to Trev and Phil for all their hard work and efforts.
Also to Malc Rushton (secretary of Worksop United AC) Tony Keyworth, Stuart
Coupe, and Roger Green. Greg thanks them all for their custom, support,
help and advice.
The website www.anglingsupplies.com
will soon be up and running.
Go Baits Open matches are held at Langold Lake every Sunday up to September
2004.
Draw is at 9am and fishing from 10am to 4pm. There are also midweek matches
every Wednesday where the draw is at 5pm and fishing from 6pm to 9pm.
Cost is £10 all-in. Telephone 01909 540105 for details of both events.
Organisers of the North Notts Angling Show, due to be held on Saturday
16th October, are asking for all local anglers to be sure of placing the
date in their diaries.
The event is taking shape and looks to be a great day out, all in the
aid of charity and, great publicity for angling.
They are also looking for help in distributing posters to local and national
fisheries to help get the message around.
Those who are able to assist will get concessionary entry on the day.
Please telephone Martin Introna on 01909 472305 if you may be able to
help.
For more information on the day visit
www.northnottsanglingshow.4t.com.
Match results contributors are reminded to send details as soon as possible after the completion of a fixture to Mgintrona@aol.com or by telephoning 01909 472305.