Wednesday 12 November 2014

Latest Events

An AAPGAI demo on Drift Boats
Since the end of the salmon season on the river Eden there have been several things going on, including the recent AAPGAI assessment and open day event down in Wales, which I always look forward to, well who wouldn't, as meeting up with a multitude of like minded anglers, and basically having a good time, is the order of the day. It's not all playtime though, as it is also one of the events that provides a gateway to both, new AAPGAI instructors, and those progressing on to the next level of certification through assessment.

An AAPGAI demo on demo's
The weekend went well with some fantastic demonstrations from the membership on the open day, and a fishy tale or two in the bar, not to mention the awards ceremony and AAPGAI auction on the Saturday evening. Anyone wishing to attend one of these open days would be very welcome, and I can certainly recommend them. The next open day will be held at Cockermouth in Cumbria on Saturday 21st March, Details can be viewed here where you can also download an application form to book yourself in for the day. A great event!

Borderlines Invertebrate Corner
In addition to this, there are also instructor workshop events held around the country, designed to give potential instructors the opportunity to attend in their respective areas, as well as giving them an insight into what would be required from an AAPGAI instructor. We have just completed one of these courses here on the Eden and there is another one planned for March 2015. Click here to book your place:

Once again Borderlines have been busy introducing youngsters to angling and the Environment, and most recently, in partnership with the Nith Catchment Fishery Trustwe visited Dumfries, where we displayed a small stand of invertebrate's, and other environmental information, whilst at the same time, teaching youngsters to cast a fly and how to bait fish. A great day was had by all with plenty of youngsters attending.

Steve playing a good Grayling
In the meantime I did take a couple of regular Border Game Angling visitors out for a spot of Grayling fishing, and although conditions were not ideal, with the water still running quite high following the recent rain we had, they did manage to catch a couple of small fish later in the day, and one really nice fish was attracted to Steve's gold headed, gold ribbed hares ear. He played it for a while (as you can see in the picture above) before it decided to part company at the critical moment.

One for the Hatchery
Finally, I have just spent two magnificent days Brood Stock fishing for salmon on the beautiful River Ure with a bunch of like minded friends and AAPGAI colleagues. This was via an invite from Dave Bamford (river manager) of the Ure Salmon Trust, and our mission was to catch as many salmon as possible for the hatchery there, to help improve future stocks on the river. Considering the water was up and down like a Yo Yo, we didn't do too bad, with eight fish recorded for the group, one of which can be seen here caught by my good friend Brian Towers, so hopefully we have done our bit to help out. We met some great people there too which definitely enhanced our experience. Thank guys!