Sam Baycock looks at the fishing industry from a newcomer's point of view
As a young gun in the fly fishing industry, I wanted to write a few words on how it feels to be starting out, from the bottom and looking up.
I’m more than aware that my career choice is a unique one. I graduated from university this summer, and whilst all my friends have stayed on to study at masters level or gone into graduate jobs I’m still here building a career. There’s no graduate schemes or internships, I bet the careers advisors at uni wouldn’t even know what a fishing guide is. It seems like a lonely place, but trust me, it isn’t. I’ve been networking really hard for the last few years and have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people. Sure, some aren’t interested in the next generation of fly fishers, but for every one of those there are another ten who want to help you succeed. There’s a positive atmosphere in the industry, and I like it.
A day's fishing with a professional guide will teach you a lot of things, not just about fishing.
Fly fishing isn’t exactly the most popular sport here in the UK, and the industry seems quite small. But the guides, distributers, writers and manufactures all have so much drive and passion for what they do. It’s an exciting time to be starting out. Of course, none of us are limited to just the UK. It’s a big world out there, a somewhat daunting one to be honest, but the potential to work abroad seems promising. The opportunities aren’t obvious, and I’m learning patience the hard way, but I’ll just put that down to my ambitious nature and naivety that comes with being young.
It doesn’t all have to be serious, let's keep fishing fun!
It’s not all been plain sailing. I don’t want to dwell on the negative points, because on the whole this is a positive experience, but I feel that some things can’t be ignored. Every once in a while you come across someone who doesn’t want to share knowledge, isn’t willing to indulge in tactical discussions, and doesn’t want you fishing on their patch. But hey, let them carry on, there’s a solid foundation of professionals which are so keen on helping the young guns flourish. Meeting an enthusiastic and encouraging professional makes the negative personalities fade away, deep into that part of the brain where we store memories of blank days, lost giants and busted leaders.
The help and encouragement that I’ve received in recent years has been incredible. From trade shows to emails from America, everyone I’ve asked for help has given. I feel that this is rare in most modern careers, and feel extremely fortunate to have received such help and encouragement. I’m nothing but grateful to the industry so far, I owe the next generation a lot, and I’m only just getting started. I’m trying to sign off with something witty, but all I really have to say is how great it feels to be turning a passion into a career. Some are chasing fame, some are chasing money, I just want to be happy. Who knows what the future holds, but as long as there are fish in the rivers, a fly rod in hand and diesel in my Land Rover I know I’ll be content.
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