It’s much more than simply a hobby for so many fans

Aug 19 2008 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal

Jonathan Boulton

ABOUT six years ago I was fishing at my local New Shildon Angling Club fishery, Eden Grange, and got to know other anglers who were in the club.

I became friends with the club’s secretary, Eph Bunting, and he offered me the chance to watch the coaching of the Get Hooked on Fishing. I was impressed with the way the project was set out and to my surprise I was given the chance to have a go at coaching the next day.

Looking back, I am so happy I got involved and had a go, especially now that I know how Get Hooked on Fishing benefits people.

Through coaching on the scheme I have made a new group of friends. We all fish together as mates and have even been to France for a week’s fishing. We work together when coaching and this makes the atmosphere enjoyable and relaxed. These little things can also benefit the participants we coach as it gets them to relax and absorb the beautiful surroundings.

The Get Hooked on Fishing scheme is there to help people for many different reasons. Some have come to the Get Hooked North East branch to be helped with their behaviour or if they have been removed from school and need help getting back into education.

The project has helped me a lot with my confidence. When I was younger I wasn’t the most confident person, but I have always been willing to give things a go, such as the coaching. Within my second year of being involved with GHOF, I attended the Chatsworth Game Fair, where I took part in demonstrations in front of 200 people. This was a massive achievement, as I could never have imagined standing up in front of large numbers of people.

Now I confidently talk in front of large numbers of people without any problem, thanks to the help of the GHOF staff Mick Watson, Eph Bunting and Chris Scott.

I recently completed my National Fishing Association Level 2 coaching qualification and plan to continue my fishing coaching for many years to come. I will be attending York St John University in September where I plan to use this new qualification to pass on my passion for angling to others I meet.

I would recommend fishing to everyone. Whether it is getting involved with the Get Hooked programme or just attending one of our fishing taster sessions, it gives you a great chance to meet people, get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors, so come and have a go.

Get Hooked on Fishing is supported by the Environment Agency. It has helped GHOF set up regional co-ordinators across the North East and staff often attend fly-fishing taster sessions to help out with coaching and communicate important environmental information about conservation and sustainability. The two organisations work closely together on day-to-day work as well as partnership projects such as Tyne Salmon Trail and the River Derwent Access project. This partnership work has enabled more people from different backgrounds to experience the joys of angling.