Testimonial - Mandy
I met Ian a few months ago through my husband Paul and his 'fishing world'. I found him to be very approachable and friendly, and we were chatting away in minutes, as if i'd known him for years.
I always felt a little lost when their conversation turned to fishing - as it is a completely different language, and unless you fish, it is impossible to understand.
Paul has been angling from a very young age. Despite all my questions as to why he did 'this, that and the other' he found it difficult to explain to me as his knowledge has accrued through natural instinct and experience rather than having been taught.
I can understand the joy it brings Paul when he lands a big fish (it's all about size with men!) but it wasn't until Ian explained to me about the attributes of specific lakes, its features, the fishes feeding habits and living environment could I understand why Paul used specific rods, rigs and bait.
I found the whole thing riveting, a complete science, unfortunatley having been shown how to try and determine where the fish were and having caught two fish from that spot I couldn't work out why Paul could not give me any reasonable explanation as to why he was fishing where he was. But as he also caught two I just put it down to luck!
I found it very easy to ask Ian questions and I suppose being a complete novice made some 'dippy' observations that Ian found quite amusing (from the smile on his face!) but he never passed comment, just cooly explained in a clear and precise manner as to 'why' you had to do things in a certain way or order. Which was exactly what I was after!
I cannot say I have been converted to fishing, I'm afraid my motherly instinsts took over when it came to landing the fish and I had to fight the urge not to bring it in, cause I thought it would upset it... but the day spent by the lake with Ian was well worth it. I can speak a bit of the lingo and understand a whole lot more which was the whole idea. I have still to fatham why anyone would want to fish overnight in the cold and wet, but if that makes you happy, then good for you!
It was obvious to me that the wealth of knowledge that Ian has enables him to coach complete beginners by teaching specific techniques such as casting, whilst also being able to develop experienced anglers by showing them new or alternative methods to enhance their skills and performance.
Don't be in any doubt that you would be wasting your money by having a day's coaching - you are never to old to learn, and never to young to start.
Oh, and by the way.. 'Nigel' the Swan is one of Ian's closest friends.. er..how many pople do you know get on well with a swan!
Thanks Ian, for an informative and fun day!
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