Hook, Line & Sinker Group Instruction Day with Andy May

Posted by Guest Writer on Thu, 10 Mar 2011.

Monday 21^st February 2011
Group – Hooked, Line & Sinker
Venue – Cudmore
Activity – Tutored session by Andy May
Attendance – 9 Young People
Meet point at time – Greenhill Youth Centre 7.45am

9 Young People, aged 12 – 16 met blurry eyed, ready and excited for the day ahead. 5 fishing kits were packed in the minibus with just enough room for the participants and staff. Everyone was now ready for the journey ahead. An hour drive to meet one of England’s finest Angler’s at probably the best fishery in the country.

During the journey; stories began from the group of previously biggest fish caught, quickly moving to discussions about Sexual Health and comments about people’s mums. Cue the Youth Worker intervening and discussions took place challenging throw away comments. Giving an ideal opportunity to question what young people may think is acceptable.

On our arrival to Cudmore, we were welcomed by Andy waiting in the car park, the group then followed Andy into the café. Where they were served a cooked breakfast – “Beautiful” was Dean’s comment on the meal. A brief discussion of proceedings from Andy and the group then drove to ‘Pool 5’ the chosen lake to fish.

Very dark clouds and a North Westerly wind met us as we ventured down a muddy road to the lake. The group quickly paired up and chose their peg or the place they would like to fish from.

Once everyone was settled Andy asked if they could all gather around him, with him explaining how he would personally approach this lake, targeting F.1, (hybrid carp or crucian/common) common and mirror carp. A match was won with over 30lb of fish only yesterday on one of the pegs the group had chosen to fish.

Andy then showed the group his pole rig he would use (see diagrams 1&2 taken from Jack’s notebook), fishing today 8 metres straight out in front of him. He explained the importance of choosing where to fish, by plumbing the depth, finding the deepest spot when its cold, using a marker like a tree/bush (“not a sheep cos they move”!!) and fish and feed the same spot all the time. He fishes a float length over depth and flicks the floats straight out, so it does what diagram 2 shows. Once the float settles, Andy stressed importance of lifting or moving the bait so it was not still for too long. He had a small pole cap on the end of his pole and fed the swim with a nugget of fish meal ground bait and 10 maggots every put in.

The group stood patiently whilst he explained this and then went away to emulate what he suggested.

10 minutes no bites
20 minutes no bites
1 hour no bites

Even with the help of Andy, Michael and Neal no fish were willing to feed.

Poor Andy was very embarrassed as this has only happened once before whilst coaching; little did he know it happens a lot more regular to us lesser mortals……………….

A break was needed to warm-up and re-focus the sandwich bar at the Club House was calling. After refreshments a look around the substantial tackle shop, 9 Young People embarked on trying to avoid what’s known in fishing as ‘blanking’.

A moment of optimism Callum caught two small carp on the feeder rod, however, everyone else tried and tried to no avail. It seemed the fish had well and truly ‘Shut up Shop’ for the day. The only place they would feed was well beyond the distance of the poles we had (8mtrs) over to the other side of the lake.

At 3pm we decided to call it a day. Quickly back to the club house to finish off the sandwiches and Jack undertook his mammoth 20 question interview with Andy.

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Once the interview was over the group asked if they could see the famous Arena Lake – this is the venue for the annual ‘Fishomania’ event which is filmed live during August. It is a round lake with a round Island on it. A high bank appears to the right hand side which is ideal for spectators to watch.

Once we had seen the famous venue it was back in the van for the journey home.