Posted by Stella Gooch
Photos by Stella Gooch
Learning about the whip
Over the school summer holidays Kings Lynn Angling Association (which has been around since 1881) were proactive in introducing local children to fishing. Dersingham Cubs, amongst other local children’s groups were invited to take part in numerous training sessions as part of National Fishing Month led by level 2 coaches Bill Morris and Darren Reed and Kelvin Allen (Chairman).
My two sons (aged 7 and 9) and a friend (aged 14) went along to Shepherds Port in Snettisham where one of these instructive activity events was being held and they were treated to the benefit of the experience of seasoned fishermen. This proved inspirational to two out of the three (the youngest finding it too much to actually touch the bait, never mind the fish!!).
There were easily a dozen youngsters taking part and following their briefing about the finer points of a “Whip” (a basic fishing rod) were getting their feet wet (metaphorically speaking!) as fishermen. Soon you could hear cries of success as varying sizes of fish were caught and landed. After several hours of pretty solid fishing the catches were weighed and champions declared.
Lewis has the largest catch
Lewis is awarded 1st prize
Lewis was the winner of the day with a catch of 2.75kg, Owen was 2nd with 1.87kg, Jamie 3rd with 1.2kg, Jordan 4th with 0.875kg.
Today KLAA has freehold on 35 acres of ground containing 3 lakes and 4 miles of bank on the Ouse, with a further 2 lakes on lease and 6 rivers some 85 kilometres in total of river bank. Shepherds Port is among this holding and was developed in partnership with the RSPB who provided both help and finance. Only members are permitted to fish there and juniors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult when fishing. Shepherds Port provides RSPB Snettisham with a car park facility and KLAA with four lakes. Two of these lakes are owned by KLAA and two are leased by KLAA from The Sandringham and Ken Hill Estates and toilet facilities are even provided during May to October. When the fishing is on the quiet side, the fishermen can enjoy the wildlife with Red Kites, Marsh Harriers, Kestrels and Barn Owls just some of the sights to enjoy.
Over the course of the 2010 summer holidays KLAA have introduced 42 new juniors into angling as part of National Fishing Month.
Tags: cubs, fishing, Shepherds Port