What could be better than spending time with your father, the one man you look up to more than any other, whiling away the hours beside the riverbank in all conditions and at all times of the day and night?
I even remember my first beer, drank whilst float fishing in Thetford some fifteen years ago. What an enormous sense of father/son bonding. Can anything compare? Unfortunately during my late teens and early twenties I had to give up my first love to pursue my career, ever dreaming of the time when I would eventually pick up a rod again and continue my childhood hobby.
At twenty-four I have finally been given the opportunity to return to what I believe to be the finest of sports. Luckily for me I have a wife who appreciates the fascination I have with the art, although not fully understanding why anybody would want to drown maggots in the evilest of weather.
Since my return I have noticed that items such as wrappers, old lines and the like are still being left behind by those obviously not taught to respect the countryside at an early stage.
I can’t help but remember those first adventures and more importantly put into practice the basic lessons taught to me by my father in years past. I have read many magazine articles which mention the lack of young participation in the sport and many views from people who believe that the angler’s environment is being abused. I thought I would add my penny worth.
It was at the water’s edge where I began to have an appreciation for my surroundings and what harm is caused when ignorant to the environment and the many creatures which inhabit it. I believe that there is a strong link between the damage inflicted and youth, be it now or many years ago.
In my opinion there are more youngsters getting into the sport than ever before, but what is missing is that father-figure, perhaps a blood relative for us lucky ones, or an experienced angler to be with us at the riverside. People who are willing to invest just a small amount of their time in the pursuit for excellence.
Waste and rubbish must be one of the biggest blights on our sport but I’m sure there are ways to combat it. I believe that if everyone were to begin to place a small amount of rubbish in their carryalls and rigorously examine their chosen pegs before and after a session, it would be an amazing example to show those less considerate and the young impressionable.
We should have the moral fibre to give up so little to gain so much. Many thanks to the people who have made an effort to keep the areas and banks clean and tidy while I have been away, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
I will look forward to passing on my limited but crucial experience to others. Please pass on your wisdom.
Again, many thanks.
