ANGLING coach Mick Johnson believes the trade can do more to back he and his colleagues, to encourage greater numbers of fishermen onto the banks.
Mick, based in Birmingham, is an official Professional Anglers Association (PAA) coach, but has been trying in vain to get the industry to take him seriously and give him some proper backing.
He explained: “Over the past two years I have sent requests to many of the larger tackle firms, publishers and distributors. DHP has been helpful and two other companies have responded. As for the rest, many of them have not even replied to my e-mails.“
It would be nice to be sponsored by some of the manufacturers with tackle and clothing, as well as bait suppliers and fishery owners. I understand that the financial commitments of many companies are a bit tight but I have requested promotional items and things like stickers with their details on.
“And what about spare cover mounts from magazines? They could be given out to the people who attend taster days and coaching sessions.“
“Things like bait boxes, disgorgers, hand towels, hats, spools of line, packs of hooks and samples of new bait are all items that have been given away with magazines over the years. You could offer us any other item with your logo on them.
“You all have a role in recruiting new anglers to our sport. The small things mean much more to a child than the big-money advertising. We need you to help us to help our sport.”
Mick has a number of suggestions for helping out your local PAA coach:
?The trade should stop wasting resources.
?Manufacturers should offer real support to qualified coaches who can prove that they are working.
?The coaches should use their talents to develop angling.
?The governing bodies should maintain a register of active coaches. In need of more help
