Last weekends coaching session arranged for Newton AA was a real success. Newton AA ensured several swims on the lower pound stretch of their canal were cleared of weed and available for the coaching session well in advance. The weather gods were on our side for this event and the turn out was plentiful with several youngsters, adults, Newton AA bailiffs and committee members attending. Everyone I met on the day had nothing but praise for the event, the way in which it was organised and executed. A big thank you to Eric Edwards and the region 31 PAC coaching team for their efforts on this very successful day.
See article from Mark Ryding (Newton AA) below.
PAC UK Teach in 6th October 2012 Newton Le Willows AA.
The Pike Anglers Club UK were invited by Newton Le Willows AA to provide instruction for the members and Bailiffs, in the specialized angling field of Pike Fishing.
The event was held on Saturday 6th October 2012 at Newton AA’s Lower Pound. This is a part of the old Sankey Canal saved from development in the 1970’s by Newton AA, and the first water in their portfolio. It runs to approximately 600 meters in length.
Both the Upper and Lower Pounds now form part of a linear park, serving not only Newton AA anglers but the local community as a green space.
PAC UK supplied some six coaches to run the event, Several Newton Bailiffs attended including Senior Bailiff Craig Hooson and event organiser Mark Ryding, also a Bailiff. Several keen members also attended to represent the club.
The weather was kind with sunshine all day.
Having had the introductions and usual health and safety input, the PAC UK development officer Eric Edwards, divided the students into groups to attend the three workshops set up on the banks of the canal.
The first session I attended was float ledgerd dead baiting. This was led by local RO Jon Neafcy and his lovely assistant Neil Stubbs.
Jon and Neil ran through the rods, reels, braid and end tackle that was to be employed for this method of fishing. This included two different rigs, a paternoster boom rig, with weak lead link, and an anti snag bottom. Students were then shown the correct hooking method for barbed and semi barbed trebles, how the float and beads work, along with a sliding stop knot.
Throughout this instruction both Jon and Neil came across as very knowledgeable and passionate about pike angling, answering any questions comprehensively.
The rods were then cast out, placed on pods with front alarms. Rear drop offs were also used as an extra aid to bit indication, essential as this method employs fishing with an open bail arm.
The first session complete it was time for session two. This was lure fishing conducted by Eric Edwards himself.
He discussed the use of a six foot jerk bait rod, multiplier and braid. He also discussed the difference between differing lures, floating and sinking, along with size and individual use.
Students were then asked to observe Eric casting a floating lure and the action of it on the retrieve, the “walking the dog”. He pointed out this was the action required. He cast again and asked to observe his body movements. It was noted the only movement was from the wrist.
The group was then given the opportunity to try this method. I found it quite difficult at first, using a multiplier without getting the inevitable birds nest, and then get the correct action for the retrieve. Eric was most helpful, giving pointers and tips. Several attempts later I did manage to get to grips with the technique.
Young James Nash on the other hand was a natural. He had it sorted in three or four casts (Must be Eric’s excellent tuition)!
Whilst Eric was in full flow there was a shout from down the bank. Jon and Neil had hooked a pike on the dead bait set up. We all trundled down to them to observe the safe handling and unhooking of this top predator, yet fragile fish.
Neil explained how to hold the pike and “chinning” as Jon was slightly incapacitated. Neil then showed how to kneel across the fish, essential for larger specimens, to enable the opening of the mouth, gaining access to the trebles, safely removing them with long nose pliers.
The Pike, about 2lb was returned to the water unharmed ready to fight another day. I was actually surprised at the size and mesh type of the landing net. However having seen the trace unclipped so you do not have to carry the fish and rod, and the way the trebles could get snagged in a smaller mesh, it all became clear.
The final session I undertook was run by Keith Dutton, he demonstrated the tying of traces in an exemplary fashion. This was a wire trace, two trebles and swivel. The students were then given the opportunity of making their own, in fact two each! We were allowed to keep thes as the first bit of pike tackle, I like free stuff……but then everyone does!
It was now 1pm and time for some sandwiches, coffee and general chat about what had been achieved and the new methods we had been shown.
Following this I went back to Eric for some more jerk bait fishing, no fish but my technique improved dramatically.
Wandering about the Pound Eric, one of his colleagues and I carried on jerk baiting. I witnessed Eric catch a small jack. At this juncture I shall not go into the hooking of the fish or take the mick, I have no doubt his colleagues will!
In all I can honestly say I am glad I organised this event, that the club allowed it and that the coaches that gave the inputs were very professional and knowledgeable. The way they conducted themselves and the instruction was impeccable.
I have learned a great deal, and now feel more confident in tackling pike fishing. If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these events do not miss it, what has been imparted in the way of technique and methods are worth their weight in gold.
Thanks to the PAC UK coaches I now know the basics and have a good grounding. At least if I come across another member struggling with a pike I am able to render help with a modicum of confidence, and if I hook one inadvertently I know what to do.
Will I target Pike now? After that teach in I defy anyone not to want too, I certainly will.
So a big thanks you to Eric and the team and PAC UK for allowing it for free!
In all a fantastic day that I would not have missed for the world.
So get on the internet and seek out www.pacgb.com, membership is only £22.50 for adults and a junior is great value at only £7.50, they get the same benefits as an Adult member along with four issues of Pikelines a year
Tight lines all.
Mark Ryding
See article from Mark Ryding (Newton AA) below.
PAC UK Teach in 6th October 2012 Newton Le Willows AA.
The Pike Anglers Club UK were invited by Newton Le Willows AA to provide instruction for the members and Bailiffs, in the specialized angling field of Pike Fishing.
The event was held on Saturday 6th October 2012 at Newton AA’s Lower Pound. This is a part of the old Sankey Canal saved from development in the 1970’s by Newton AA, and the first water in their portfolio. It runs to approximately 600 meters in length.
Both the Upper and Lower Pounds now form part of a linear park, serving not only Newton AA anglers but the local community as a green space.
PAC UK supplied some six coaches to run the event, Several Newton Bailiffs attended including Senior Bailiff Craig Hooson and event organiser Mark Ryding, also a Bailiff. Several keen members also attended to represent the club.
The weather was kind with sunshine all day.
Having had the introductions and usual health and safety input, the PAC UK development officer Eric Edwards, divided the students into groups to attend the three workshops set up on the banks of the canal.
The first session I attended was float ledgerd dead baiting. This was led by local RO Jon Neafcy and his lovely assistant Neil Stubbs.
Jon and Neil ran through the rods, reels, braid and end tackle that was to be employed for this method of fishing. This included two different rigs, a paternoster boom rig, with weak lead link, and an anti snag bottom. Students were then shown the correct hooking method for barbed and semi barbed trebles, how the float and beads work, along with a sliding stop knot.
Throughout this instruction both Jon and Neil came across as very knowledgeable and passionate about pike angling, answering any questions comprehensively.
The rods were then cast out, placed on pods with front alarms. Rear drop offs were also used as an extra aid to bit indication, essential as this method employs fishing with an open bail arm.
The first session complete it was time for session two. This was lure fishing conducted by Eric Edwards himself.
He discussed the use of a six foot jerk bait rod, multiplier and braid. He also discussed the difference between differing lures, floating and sinking, along with size and individual use.
Students were then asked to observe Eric casting a floating lure and the action of it on the retrieve, the “walking the dog”. He pointed out this was the action required. He cast again and asked to observe his body movements. It was noted the only movement was from the wrist.
The group was then given the opportunity to try this method. I found it quite difficult at first, using a multiplier without getting the inevitable birds nest, and then get the correct action for the retrieve. Eric was most helpful, giving pointers and tips. Several attempts later I did manage to get to grips with the technique.
Young James Nash on the other hand was a natural. He had it sorted in three or four casts (Must be Eric’s excellent tuition)!
Whilst Eric was in full flow there was a shout from down the bank. Jon and Neil had hooked a pike on the dead bait set up. We all trundled down to them to observe the safe handling and unhooking of this top predator, yet fragile fish.
Neil explained how to hold the pike and “chinning” as Jon was slightly incapacitated. Neil then showed how to kneel across the fish, essential for larger specimens, to enable the opening of the mouth, gaining access to the trebles, safely removing them with long nose pliers.
The Pike, about 2lb was returned to the water unharmed ready to fight another day. I was actually surprised at the size and mesh type of the landing net. However having seen the trace unclipped so you do not have to carry the fish and rod, and the way the trebles could get snagged in a smaller mesh, it all became clear.
The final session I undertook was run by Keith Dutton, he demonstrated the tying of traces in an exemplary fashion. This was a wire trace, two trebles and swivel. The students were then given the opportunity of making their own, in fact two each! We were allowed to keep thes as the first bit of pike tackle, I like free stuff……but then everyone does!
It was now 1pm and time for some sandwiches, coffee and general chat about what had been achieved and the new methods we had been shown.
Following this I went back to Eric for some more jerk bait fishing, no fish but my technique improved dramatically.
Wandering about the Pound Eric, one of his colleagues and I carried on jerk baiting. I witnessed Eric catch a small jack. At this juncture I shall not go into the hooking of the fish or take the mick, I have no doubt his colleagues will!
In all I can honestly say I am glad I organised this event, that the club allowed it and that the coaches that gave the inputs were very professional and knowledgeable. The way they conducted themselves and the instruction was impeccable.
I have learned a great deal, and now feel more confident in tackling pike fishing. If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these events do not miss it, what has been imparted in the way of technique and methods are worth their weight in gold.
Thanks to the PAC UK coaches I now know the basics and have a good grounding. At least if I come across another member struggling with a pike I am able to render help with a modicum of confidence, and if I hook one inadvertently I know what to do.
Will I target Pike now? After that teach in I defy anyone not to want too, I certainly will.
So a big thanks you to Eric and the team and PAC UK for allowing it for free!
In all a fantastic day that I would not have missed for the world.
So get on the internet and seek out www.pacgb.com, membership is only £22.50 for adults and a junior is great value at only £7.50, they get the same benefits as an Adult member along with four issues of Pikelines a year
Tight lines all.
Mark Ryding
