Catching Versus Technique
Creators: name: Fancher, David
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2016
Subjects: Entertainment
Environmental Humanities

description: I’ve read with interest the various views of readers, experts and fisheries on this topic, with the most recent (Letters, TF 485) prompting me to share my own thoughts. <br>From the outset, I would state I am not an expert but simply a lucky passionate practitioner of fishing in all its forms. Like all fishermen I have my preferred methods but am not blind to the huge range of disciplines in the sport. <br>I also serve as a governor at a local secondary school where I run a fishing club for all the students who wish to participate. I am a little bemused by the arguments of ‘technique’ against ‘catching’. In essence, both sides of the argument are right in their own ways. <br>However, it is the way the newcomers respond that should be the guide and building block on which you develop them in the sport. Some will respond positively on the technique side, building up to take that first fish, Others need the input of the early catch to maintain interest and then hone up on their technical skills with a best compound bow. <br>However, when it comes to conversion rates, are we being narrow-minded in thinking these the only two factors? <br>The biggest factor can often be cost, especially in equipment, transport and fees, which to a newcomer without support may be an insurmountable factor. Fisheries, in my experience, bend over backwards to help newcomers and keep costs to a minimum, with many offering tackle hire. <br>Major organisations also do their bit and support many ventures. However, it is still that initial set-up cost that may be the deciding factor. Then there is the recognition of their skills and giving them aims. <br>I am a huge advocate of Troutmasters in this regard, as the confidence factor attained is obvious to newcomers and experienced fishermen alike. A number of my lub’s members have qualified for their badges, fished the fish-offs and one has been a junior finalist. <br>We currently have two students, one experienced, the other a relative newcomer, who have qualified for next year’s fish-offs. Throw into this mix the friendly, competitive factor and conversion into long-term anglers is almost assured. <br>I would like to share an article written by young members of the school club, which encapsulates all of the above factors and the positive satisfaction experienced by all involved in the sport. Leonard Broxson, Chair of Governors, Tanfield School, Specialist College of Science and Engineering.<br><b>Tanfield school fishing club</b><b><br></b>Our fishing club went to Chatton Fishery on April 22, 2016. For the first time ever (for most of us) we tried fly-fishing. <br>The day was quite sunny though a bit windy. When we got there Barry, who was looking after us for the day, got the fishing rods ready and demonstrated how to use them. We went to the lakes where Josh caught the first fish within the first five minutes! His fish was about 2lb. <br>Quite a while later Reece caught another one but this time it was over 5lb. As a result both boys have been entered in to the Troutmasters competition, what an achievement! Chatton Fishery was in a beautiful, peaceful and very clean setting. <br>All students really enjoyed fishing though some found it frustrating when others caught fish and they didn’t. After a lot of effort and tuition by Barry and Mr B, casting became gradually easier and this made the whole experience more enjoyable. <br>The owners of the fishery as well as the other fishermen were very friendly and they even offered us extra fish to take home as we had not caught many. We were made to feel extremely welcome and everybody was really helpful. <br>Ellie won the award for trying the hardest even though she did not catch anything. The bacon sandwiches and the drinks afterwards were also a big hit after a hard day’s fishing. We enjoyed it so much that we want to repeat the experience again. In the near future we are going to Derwent Reservoir to try some bait fishing and hopefully catch more fish.<br><b><i>By Reece, Amy, Taylor, Josh, Jake, Arundeep, Ellie and Graham, From Tanfield School (Co Durham)</i></b><br><b><i>Editor’s reply</i></b>: <i>Good work Leonard. The debate will continue but perhaps the main thing is that the trade, fisheries and anglers are doing ‘something’ to introduce new people – especially youngsters – to our sport. Cost is an issue but we can and are overcoming this with fisheries offering shared tickets etc. Keep doing what you’re doing to help.</i><i><br></i><i>For more information about hunting and fishing, visit my website: http://hunting-tips.net/</i>