SeaAngler
My welcome in the previous issue highlighted the fact that junior anglers are the future of our sport and that the angling trade in its many forms should be seen to encourage their efforts.
Alongside this, I was pleased to report the support given by Tronixpro to help subsidise the entry costs for juniors and youths in the World Championships. But we need more.
It’s a fact that many anglers start fishing while at school, learn from a relative or friend, and gain experience at a local club. It seemed so much easier in the past, but now there are, quite rightly, regulations about adults placed in a position of trust with children. Being a coach is now regulated and Sport England provides schemes to train those wanting to be involved.
Here’s the problem. Those courses aren’t cheap, and this puts off some who might want to give something back to angling.
You may have heard of the Angling Trust’s Talent Pathway, which is a scheme for the benefit of young angling prospects deemed capable of fishing for England. Elitist, yes, but it’s a means to an end.
It’s fair to say that some of the Talent Pathway sessions could be held further north, but the counter claim is the ‘shoestring’ budget doesn’t allow this, yet coarse and game events happen in the north; sea angling is missing out. Hard-pressed parents shouldn’t be expected to ferry youngsters hundreds of miles to the South Coast for a coaching session.
Those who coach at any level (to youngsters or adults) should have our admiration, for they are giving up their time for the future of our sport. Coaching in any form, at elite level or in clubs, usually relies on the same small minority; indeed, all organisations suffer from a lack of willing volunteers.
Yes, it’s easy to blame the authorities, but I suggest we’re missing the point. There are numerous angling clubs throughout the country, and more of the bigger ones could be funding would-be coaches to undertake the training scheme. Small fundraising schemes at club events, open matches and socials could raise the cash to assist someone with the expense of becoming an angling coach.
Indeed, these bigger clubs could even offer to host major coaching events and help defer some of the cost for the Angling Trust.
Equally, there are plenty of first-rate anglers linked to some of the biggest names in the tackle industry. They are often seen giving out advice at tackle shop open events, so surely there is an avenue of growth for trained coaches and coaching events funded by the angling industry? This can only generate goodwill for the companies involved.
Becoming a coach or staging events isn’t a money-making venture, but no volunteer should not be expected to incur unreasonable expense to make themselves available.
In the end, if more people become coaches, from all areas of the country, the Talent Pathway and, more importantly, coaching in general would gain momentum. That can only be good for our sport.
Having already given a pat on the back to Tronixpro, I offer Sea Angler’s congratulations to its boss George Cunningham, whose TronixFishing company is celebrating 10 years in the tackle trade. You can read about his move from being a plumber to creating a big name in the sea angling market on page 100.
That’s just one of the great reads in this issue. We’re bringing you loads of shore angling and fishing afloat, a wealth of useful advice and tips, along with some great new tackle and plenty of your great catch successes.
Enjoy the magazine.