BOOST FOR YOUTH
A scheme that gifts unwanted fishing kit to youngsters has hit the ground running, but now it needs YOUR help…
New scheme tackles up kids with anglers’ old gear
“I build them kits depending on what sort of fishing they want to get into”
TAKE A look in your tackle shed, and the chances are that there’ll be various old rods and reels sat around gathering dust, likely never to see the bank again.
Memories of epic battles with special fish form a powerful bond between angler and certain bits of tackle, and although unused for years, we just can’t seem to let them go.
But one man who’s seen the light and is making the best possible use of his old kit is Kevin Clark. Last summer he set up a project named The Angling Initiative, which donates unwanted fishing tackle to young anglers who want to get into the sport but perhaps can’t afford to do so.
The scheme has been a runaway success, and now Kevin is seeking more tackle donations from the wider angling public in order to take the initiative to the next level.
Kevin, from Cwmbran, Wales, says: “It all started when I met a young lad on a Newport AA water a few years ago who didn’t have enough fishing tackle.
“I decided to help him out with some of my kit, including my old seatbox and pole rollers. Shortly after this I decided to set up
The Angling Initiative page on Facebook.”
Since then, Kevin has supplied more than 60 kids with complete sets of tackle after they contacted him through the scheme’s dedicated social media presence.
“We’ve got lots of people waiting for tackle,” Kevin says, “and I build them customised kits depending on what sort of fishing they want to get into. I’ve put together carp kits for example, where I’ll get two or three rods, a bedchair and a big landing net together.”
“I’ve also donated tackle to larger groups, including Scout groups and angling clubs.”
One club to have received kit from the initiative recently is Glamorgan AC.
Ian Lewis, head coach and disabled coordinator at the club says: “Glamorgan isn’t the most affluent place in Wales, so the tackle donations from Kevin are really appreciated. He gave us four or five rods and a pole, which will go to the kids who need it the most. The club has quite a strong junior section, and donations from people like
Kevin will help us to keep going. Considering that he’s doing it all off his own back, he’s doing an excellent job.
“I’m a licensed level two coach, so in return for his kind donation I’ve offered him some coaching sessions to help his cause.”
In addition to kitting people out with tackle, Kevin also teaches newcomers vital fishing skills.
“Unfortunately, I can’t always provide all the kit that people need, but it doesn’t cost me much to teach them a bit about fishing, so I try to pass on relevant advice wherever possible,” he says.
“The ultimate goal of the project is to encourage young people to get out there and go fishing, so I’m also applying for my Angling Trust Coaching Qualification. I had nobody to help me when I grew up fishing, but I want to give these young anglers as much encouragement as possible.”
Given the success of the scheme, Kevin now wants to hear from any Angling Times readers who may be able to donate
unwanted kit.
“I don’t mind driving to collect the tackle,” he adds, “but it often comes in drips and drabs, so it can be hard to find the right pieces to put the complete kits together.
“I live in Wales, so it can also be a long drive to pick up tackle from somewhere like Kent. It therefore makes more sense for anglers in a particular area to drop their old kit off at their local tackle shop, and I’ll then pick it up in one trip.
“All they have to do is get in touch with me and the tackle shop before doing so.”