A Few Thoughts On Those First Casts

There is delight in the early years of angling that can live forever in the memory. The thrill when that first fish is brought to the water's edge, an intriguing creature from another dimension.I have taken several young people fishing over the last few years and most are captivated by the experience. Though not all follow on to become anglers most, I feel, develop an understanding of what angling is all about.

I have spoken with teachers from several schools that have taken young people to the waters edge and they have commented on how many of the pupils become fully focused on the pursuit of contact with a fish. They learn to appreciate the environment by actually interacting within it and not simply reading about it in a textbook. Fishing, it would seem, has a calming influence even upon young people who do not thrive in a classroom environment.The Environment Agency has invested a considerable amount of effort in promoting angling amongst young people. Schools and Youth Clubs can contact the agency to arrange block licences to allow introductory events to take place free of charge.

There are a few golden rules to follow when introducing young people to angling. First is to ensure that there is an awareness of the dangers present at the waters edge. Ideally they should be able to swim. Ensure that the banks are stable and not slippery. Wear sensible clothing to match the weather conditions. Wear protective glasses when fly-fishing. Always wipe hands with an antiseptic wipe before eating food, as Weil’s disease is a real danger where rats dwell.It is best to keep sessions short for young anglers to avoid disillusionment setting in if the fish refuse to feed. Choose a venue that contains plenty of fish. Do not start off by attempting to catch big fish instead aim for plenty of bites from small fish. There is nothing that captivates the attention more than a brightly tipped float that frequently disappears.

During the session try to engage an interest in the wildlife that surrounds the venue. The vivid blue of a kingfisher, a stalking heron the friendly robin that alights upon the rod tip looking for morsels of food.When a fish is hooked ensure that it is carefully unhooked using the appropriate disgorger. Return the fish to its watery home with care after pausing for a moment to admire the fish and perhaps take a photo with the smiling captor.

Finally when you pack away ensure you have left no litter and pick up any in the vicinity that may have been left by those less considerate than yourselves.