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.