Stalham Beaver Scouts annual fishing day

A day out for Stalham Beaver Scouts was again led for the third year running by NACA coaching events manager Dennis Willis. On a windswept day both morning and afternoon coaching sessions were delivered to the juniors at Holly Farm Lakes in South Walsham. The wind was helpful though in keeping off the promised rain showers and a successful day was enjoyed by all. Thirteen Scouts participated along with brothers, sisters and parents and all caught fish.

The juniors received a talk at their Tuesday meeting prior to the coaching day about water safety and the tackle to be provided for use on the day.

Coaching and help was provided by Judy Ford (level 1 coach), Graham Gamble and Tom Howard of the Environment Agency as well as Beaver Scout leader Mick Dixon and his son Christopher. Friends of Dennis (Thanks Alan & Andy) also gave their support.

Carp to nearly five pounds as well as roach, tench, bream, crucian carp and goldfish were landed during the day.

The juniors are aged between 6 and 9 years and some were very cautious about handling the bait (particularly maggots!), hooks and fish prior to their coaching session. However they proved aptly capable of baiting up, casting, unhooking and safely returning the fish after being shown what to do. Most caught around twenty fish or more - the highest number recorded by Isabelle Salt with thirty fish - all landed in just over two hours.

“After taking a small fish first cast in the afternoon session Harry Kenworth hooked a fish second cast that stretched the elastic from the end of his 3m pole to the limit. The look of wonder and amazement on his (and his father’s) face was a sight to remember” – said Steve Lane from the Environment Agency. Harry Landed the carp which weighed around 1.5kgs.

All Beaver Scouts left with happy faces and big smiles as well as with some gifts from the Environment Agency.

Dennis & Judy went along to their pack meeting the following week and all were presented with a Certificate of Achievement for the coaching day.

This is one of the many coaching and educational events NACA take part in throughout the year, if you would like NACA to organise an angling coaching day for your group, or support your own event please get in touch with us via the contacts page

Dennis Willis

October 2009

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