TIM CARR doesn’t have direct links to local tackle shops but is lucky enough to have a decent relationship with those nearest him in Wiltshire. Indeed, he works alongside both Premier Angling in Chippenham and T K Tackle in Calne, the owner of which actively promotes his coaching.
He is the secretary of Calne Angling Association and collects the names and contact details of any people interested in an introduction to fishing and coaching sessions. But he feels that much more could be done, and that is, in part, what prompted him to get involved with a coaching scheme. He also believes that you don’t need to break the bank to go fishing.
Tim has been running the junior section of Calne Angling Association for five years and enjoys every minute of it.
Because he was coaching junior anglers, it seemed important that he gained accreditation and he looked carefully at the two options open to him – the National Federation of Anglers’ courses or training through the PAA.
Tim said: “The latter seemed to have a fresher and more modern approach to the training of coaches. Having been through the course I would still agree with this – it was not a ‘turn up and you’ve passed’ scenario; there were people on our course who did not pass. It required intense study and some could not achieve the standards required to become a coach.
“I held the last training session on our local canal in January, giving newcomers who received coaching fishing tackle as Christmas presents some pointers on its use. I feel a person should be shown how to catch fish on tackle they have access to; not with the most expensive tackle there is. You do not have to spend a fortune these days to buy some good, serviceable equipment.”
STARTING OUT
He started fishing 39 years ago when his father used to take him to Kent, as they lived in London at the time.
His first recollections are actually of ‘pond’ dipping the River Derwent with his net, mainly catching native crayfish, then moving onto the lake for the perch and roach, which were in abundance even for a total novice.
It proved to be an unforgettable experience and a great memory of how things used to be.
He has fished continuously ever since, probably averaging more than three trips per week over the years.
Tim became interested in teaching juniors while his children were still young and he explained: “It was quite selfish really; I seemed to get more from their sessions than them.
There is nothing as rewarding as the look on a person’s face when they catch their first fish, or their biggest fish, or first of a species. The smile seems to split the face and as all us fishermen know, that never goes away once you have the bug.
“A few years later an NFA coach brought his son along to fish in our local competitions and I went to a couple of his training sessions. I thought: ‘I could do that’. I also picked up some tips, which I now use in my coaching.
“The junior angling secretary retired from our fishing club after 30-years’ service, as his sons had long since gone on to be seniors, and I was asked to take the position, which I jumped at, as I felt I could contribute something fresh to the position.”
