T h e 2 0 1 4 R u t l a n d Y o u t h F l y F i s h i n g D a y
'The best day of my life...’
That’s what one of the youngsters taking part told their mother. Hearing that made it all worthwhile for me, it wont be long before they are begging to go fishing again!
The Rutland Youth Fly Fishing Day is all about introducing young people to our sport, and getting them out on the water fishing. There is only so much you can do in the classroom or from the bank. Drawing on the help, skills and resources of volunteer anglers, means we can do something meaningful and put on an unforgettable event.
This year 69 youngsters took part in the event, they signed in, looking a bit apprehensive, unsure of what the day might bring. A few hours later, as they came off the pontoon, they were beaming, full of excitement, eager to share their experiences with friends and parents. I have never seen so many happy faces around the harbour!
We have caught them young, and given them a sport, a pastime they can enjoy for the rest of their lives, and pass on to their children in turn.
'I just wanted to say thank you so much for another amazing day today. Lucas was absolutely buzzing and said it was 'one of the best days of his life'! He was very lucky to not only catch a beautiful fish (which we've just eaten for dinner!) but also to win a fantastic fishing rod kit. You have really inspired him with these events and we will be taking a fishing rod with us again this summer holiday! His friend Tom also enjoyed himself very much and hopefully I will be able to take them both fly fishing over the school hols. I know a huge amount of effort and organisation not to mention many hours of volunteer time must go into a day like today it's very much appreciated, thank you all.'
'What a Brilliant Day' Just wanted to say a massive thank you for arranging another great day. This is the second time my son Finlay has attended this day & he had a ball. The added bonus this year is that not only did he win a prize but he came away with his first catch!
Thank you , a brilliant day.'
Kind regards
We would very much like to thank all the organisers of this amazing event... our son Joe has come home not only with a rather fabulous trout but with a massive smile on his face too.
This is the third year the Rutland Water Fly Fishers have run this event.
The safety of the youngsters is of paramount importance to us, we count them out and count them back in, and try to ensure they get through the day in one piece.
The safety briefing is the first thing that happens after registration. We explain the potential hazards they might encounter and what action they should take if they do. The format of the day is explained, and there is the opportunity to ask any questions.
We run four skills sessions in the morning, all designed to help the youngsters get the most out of the afternoon fishing session, and give a flavour of the different skills required to catch a trout on the fly.
Casting: The Game Angling Instructors Association, teach the basics of casting, and help the juniors learn to roll cast and over head cast, two techniques essential when presenting a fly to the fish. The 30 minute session only scratches the surface of the skills and physics involved in casting, but gives enough to give them a start.
Fly Dressing: Two tents are used by the Fly Dressers Guild, to host the fly tying session. All season the FDG have been tying flies for the Youth Day, they have also been badgering suppliers for materials used by the youngsters to tie a fly for Rutland. Each of the entrants tie their own fly, which they can use during the afternoon session, they are also presented with a goody bag containing a fly box and a selection of hand tied flies. The FDG are renowned throughout the world for their skills in the art of fly tying, some of the group at the Youth Day had just returned from a Fly Fishing event in Italy, where they had demonstrated their craft at the personal invitation of the King of Spain. The RWFF insist on the best at their events!
Boat Safety: We need to be sure the youngsters understand how to check and put on their life vests, and understand the do's and don'ts of boat fishing.
This session is entrusted to Anne Woodcock. Anne works with FishPal, and is the founder of Ladies Fishing.
Equipment and Tactics: Explaining how to put a rod together, the bits and pieces of tackle you need and how to catch a trout, are top local guides, Al Owen and Graham Pearson. Al and Graham know more about catching fish on Rutland than anyone else I know, put together...
We break for lunch… talk about hollow legs !!!
Next it's on to the boats two by two and get to know your boatman. Our volunteers are made up of members of the RWFF and anglers from far and wide, keen to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of fly fishers, securing the future of our sport. Then it's out on to the water to put the skills learned to test.
We can't guarantee they will catch fish, however fish were caught, and there were smiles all round!
What could be easier! We are looking forward to the 2015 Rutland Youth Fly Fishing Day already!
We owe all our volunteers a massive thank you. Also people and organisations who have sponsored the event, Anglian Water once again let us have all the boats we needed for the day, Vision Fly Fishing who donated tackle to give away on the day, along with Sportsfish and also Walkers of Trowell.
So… Thank you to everyone who helped make this day happen!
Chris Evans & Jeremy Ball, Rutland Water Fly Fishers