Matt Pierce
6 Oct 2023
Some good perch created excitement at our second Give Angling A Go tuition event.
On Sunday 01-Oct-2023, the Model Boating Pond on Hampstead Heath saw the return of Hampstead and Highgate Angling Society’s Give Angling A Go day. In this event, total beginners are taught by a group of anglers who probably have a couple of centuries’ experience between them!
Our preferred north end of the pond was already occupied when we arrived at 7am, so we set up on the shallower east bank. Here we were glad to catch a few perch straight away. Our first pupils turned up at 10am and from then until 4pm we were kept busy with a stream of budding anglers of all ages.
The early birds had the best of it, nearly all catching fish. In the afternoon, the fishing was hard and some people suffered the dreaded blank. This did not seem to dent their enthusiasm however. A select few landed some good perch in the 6 oz to 8 oz bracket – above average size for these tuition sessions.
We were glad to be visited by Hampstead Heath Patrol Officers Simon and Bill. They have been doing a great job this season checking fishing permits and rod licences. This is appreciated by all responsible anglers because it helps deter the minority who break the rules and don’t respect the fish or the natural environment.
Numbers attending were as follows:
· Participating children 22
· Participating adults (some with children, some without) 25
· Non-participating parents 6
Here is what some of them had to say afterwards:
“Thank you very much for organizing this event. It was the first fishing experience for Martin and he really enjoyed. Say our thanks to Simon for his patience and knowledge.”
“Thank you we really enjoyed the session. Huge shout out to Bob and the other coach who taught us on the day.”
“David had the best morning ever and he wants to try fishing there again this Saturday.”
“Thanks a million for yesterday - the kids loved every second. It was so relaxed and friendly. “
“Thank you for fishing today … Orlando loved it”
“It was great I caught 3 fish and loved it!”
“No fish but thoroughly enjoyed the session and the chat with our coach.”
“We have never seen our boys so calm and focused”
“Sadly no fish but we really enjoyed it and would be keen for a follow up.”
“Really enjoyed it – we were looking to try something different and loved the whole experience. Never expected to catch anything but each of us had bites and fish including a big roach that got away! Would be interested in doing it again.”
HAHAS would like to thank the City of London Corporation, the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency for helping us run this successful event.
