COACHING

Coach Praises Martin’s Commitment

It was all smiles for Martin and Adam at a recent coaching session at Poringland Lakes. 

Angling is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and relax and for Martin and his carer, Adam Hollings, a session with head coach Mark Casto proved a great success. 

Adam and Martin are regulars at Poringland Lakes where Martin really enjoys his fishing as well as the lakes’ peaceful surroundings and wildlife. 

The coaching session was aimed at teaching Martin and Adam the basics of float fishing taking a look at floats, shotting patterns and fish handling. 

Coach Casto was certainly impressed with Martin’s enthusiasm and commitment. 

“Martin was a great student.  He is obviously very keen to learn and was soon gaining confidence.  During the session, Martin was able to handle a fish for the first time which was a major achievement.  He also learned all about the different types of floats he could use and the way to set everything up” explained Mark.              

“As the lesson progressed we caught several nice Roach, Rudd, and perch using an insert waggler and red maggots for bait. At the end of the lesson, Martin and Adam both said how much they had enjoyed themselves and it was clear from Martin’s big smile that he had a great time. Our next lesson is already booked and it looks like Martin is going to make a first-class angler!” predicted Mark. 

Coaching the coaches

At Poringland lakes we now have a good team of coaches two of whom are training up to become level 2 coaches. So I have been spending some time with Mick and Ryan going over some new methods and techniques to get them ready for moving up the ladder to level 2, next year.

If you live in and around Norwich Poringland Lakes is the ideal place to come along and have a coaching session with us all, fun friendly coaching sessions we guarantee you will enjoy and benefit from to improve your angling skill.

COACHING

Coaching Team Expands 

Poringland Lakes has two new additions to its coaching team. 

Mick Morley and Ryan Westgarth have both successfully completed the Angling Trust level one coaching course to join established coaches Mark Casto (level two) and Eric Peak (level one). 

Both Mick and Ryan found the two-day course enjoyable if at times challenging. Both are now keen to progress to level two. 

"Congratulations to Mick and Ryan," said Lakes' president Dave Gudgeon. "With so much emphasis on recruitment and the involvement of youngsters, in particular, it is vitally important we have properly qualified and accredited volunteers to oversee the activities."          

If you would like to know more about coaching opportunities at Poringland Lakes, please contact head coach, Mark Casto on 01502 476842 or email at thefishwasbig@gmail.com See also Mark’s regular blog at thefishwasbig.blogspot.co.uk  

COACHING

Never Too Old to Learn

You are never too old to learn. So goes the old adage which applies throughout life but even more so when it comes to fishing.

Poringland Lakes’ head coach Mark Casto has built up an ever-expanding clientele of angling enthusiasts all wanting to hone their skills in a variety of methods – especially returnees, anglers who fished in their youth but haven’t picked up a rod in decades.



One such angler is John Hipperson who recently moved to the village and discovered Poringland Lakes, almost on his doorstep.

John and Mark teamed up and now John has had three coaching sessions covering waggler, pole, and feeder fishing disciplines. By all accounts, John has proved to be the perfect pupil.

“John really seemed to enjoy the lessons,” said Mark. “He now feels much more confident about starting up again. At the next session, I have with him we are just going to fish together. It is not all about coaching it's also about making new friends and enjoying their company” added Mark.



At the other end of the spectrum, 12-year-old Jack Hardy is just taking his first steps when it comes to fishing. Neither of Jack’s parents have ever fished, so grandfather Jim thought it was a good idea for Jack to have some formal training under the watchful eye of an experienced coach.

Jim contacted Poringland Lakes and soon the first coaching sessions were underway. Jack was a model pupil, quickly picking up the techniques and putting them to good practice by catching lots of fish.

Granddad Jim was very impressed.

“Jack loved it and wants to come back again. Although he lives outside the village, Jack is really hoping to join the Kingfisher club, meet new friends of his own age and continue his fishing adventures. Mark was incredibly patient and did a great job” said Jim.

“I enjoyed it too and may even pick up a rod myself one day” quipped Jim.

Haven't been fishing for ages? Not sure where to start?

No Problem.

One of my latest students has been finding out the latest methods and techniques used in angling to bring him back up to speed and get him fishing again.

Starting with the basics of float fishing first and learning all about waggler fishing we then moved on to feeder fishing and took a look at three popular methods used on commercials and finally the last lesson taking a look at the basics of Pole fishing.

John had a great time and these were his comments after he had taken all three coaching sessions with me.

Thanks again for another very enjoyable coaching session on pole fishing ..... as always it was very informative and I think 'just right' in its content for me at this stage.
As you suggest, I will follow up by reading the material you kindly sent me. It's good of you to put so much effort into these sessions ..... much appreciated !

I look forward to having a fishing session with you next time .... let's keep in touch on this to arrange a convenient date.

In the meantime Mark just a further word of huge thanks for these sessions ..... they have been great and you have pitched them just right to give me the knowledge and confidence to 'get back in there'; just what I needed!! Your teaching technique is excellent and I've found the sessions thoroughly informative, relaxing and enjoyable! It's been a real pleasure for me to have the opportunity to do this with you!

All of the coaching session with John took place at Poringland Lakes just outside of Norwich where I coach. So if you are struggling with your fishing and confused by all the new methods like John then get in touch and let's get you up to speed again and catching some good fish.