All Things Piscatorial
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Alan Sandom Q&A
How long been a coach; since 1994 but have given tuition without qualifications since around 1980
Why do I coach; To put something back, but also to try and eradicate a lot of bad practices within the sport.
Which area do I fish and coach; I fish wherever I can including several countries around the world, but mainly from the Midlands - South/South East. I coach wherever I am requested even in Florida but again mainly in the South~South East.
What is my favourite fishery; I do not have one! be it a lake Canal or River each has its own set of challenges and it is these that give me the most pleasure, solving the problem and catching, I do however have a few that I really do not like, mainly because of the location or because of the way they are managed.
Favourite Species; In this country I have none they all give a thrill when fishing for them even the unexpected specie no matter how small! Overseas it has to be 'Jack Crevalles' (cousin of the Permit and Trevally) probably the hardest fighting fish I have ever come across, some are speedsters like Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel etc but for just brute strength the JC's are the tops, my best is only 15lbs, I had to tighten up on the drag to stop it getting into a bridge pile formation, this it took as a challenge! without able to take line off the reel it pulled me down onto my knee from a standing position, the rod then met with the boats gunwale and still it tried to tip me into the sea!! nothing but nothing fights like that here in the UK
Favourite Method; I don't have one each method has its good points and uses, the enviroment dictates which is most suitable on the day, some days it could be a whip, the next long pole, etc etc. Not being limited with a set style gives me the option to fish all waters in all conditions. nb I am still getting to grips with the fly rod and another set of angling intricacies! So far I have caught Carp, Chub, Perch, Pike and Rudd, the best part of this method is lightness and mobility, I can get out even for short sessions and meet other anglers have a chat and still catch! great fun.
Local Club; Has to be Ashford Angling Society, why? its a forward looking club, developing its own waters to cater for all skills and I am its Chairman,Fisheries Officer ect ect including general dogsbody.
Does it have a website; It did but I could not afford the time to maintain it! so the answer is no not at this time.
What is my favourite website; I belong to many and their forums, mainly to gain information to improve upon my skills, at present I am with a few whose basis is fly fishing in the sea, sadly only one of these is based in the UK, I find others are spoilt by the constant insults and whinging which detract from the main reason they are there in the first place and I soon bore of them, others give basic contact information and leave you wanting? ATP in general is one of the best, but again some of the forum content sadly turns me off. Its a personal thing, but if everyone only posted stuff that helps others or warns them of possible problems with the aim of assisting them to become better coach's and leave out the politics it would be all the better, but there again thats my opinion!!
