14/03/2026 - Coaching - Hillview Lake, Todber Manor.

Sunshine, mud & empty pegs…

As I looked squinting into the spring sunshine I couldn’t help but think that it was a shame that the coaches out-numbered the juniors for a second in two events.

With preparations for the launch of JJAC potentially coming earlier than predicted, the early part of the year has been far busier than usual. Couple that with the (now lifted) stress of the grant application, to be standing with just four coaches and still have a spare is a bitter pill to swallow. I understand that life and other things get in the way, but it does not make it any more appealing. Someone even suggested that there are some other sporting events on. Are there other sports other than fishing? Surely this was a vicious rumour spread by the kickers of the bags of wind.

The start to my day was a real peach. Mrs H waved me off with tear-soaked handkerchief at the front door (She didn’t) as I left for the first of three times that morning.

The first time I got no further than a few streets away before a glace in my rear-view mirror made it clear that I had left a vital component at home…

Fishing rods are essential towards marking the difference between ‘Angling’ and ‘Hand-lining’. My rod holdall count was deficient to the tune of one.

Back home I went…

I got a bit further out with my second attempt (about 2-miles). Personally, I frown upon shoplifting and without a wallet, stealing was the only option. If Trudie had not yet realised that she had, in fact, married a complete idiot, then this was the moment when reality dawned upon her.

The third good-bye consisted of her telling me to ‘Bu**er off, and not to come back until tea-time’… Clearly my lack of brain cells was eating into her peace and quiet.

Finally underway a full 25-minutes later than planned, everything was going well until I had to brake suddenly for a van in a narrow lane. The athletes’ breakfast I had consumed that morning (Coffee and toast with strawberry jam), decided that it was too dark in my stomach, and popped up to the back of throat for one last look. I got the trembly sweats and felt like a Badgers’ armpit for the rest of the journey. An open window, fresh air and frost bite saved the day.

Hillview Lake looked stunning in the flat calm sunshine, and I set about unloading my travelling tackle shop. Then came the news that Freddie also had the trembly sweats and would not be coming. I ground my teeth but, to be fair, had the trembly sweats hit me at home then I may have cancelled the day myself.

The coaching team had arrived and consisted of the ‘Old Gits Fishing Group’. This being myself, Jerry, Neil, and John. The three amigos took it in turn to mock me for how long it was taking me to set my gear up. It was taking me an age and even John had caught a fish before I’d plumbed the depth!

For this reason, setting up time for the upcoming pairs match will be four hours, with a one-hour match… (The match won't be just an hour)…

First to arrive was our Christmas Match Champion, Sir Alexander of Sherborne with the Maiden of Leigh accompanying him (Charlie). Alexander was gracious enough not to make a fuss when he saw that I had set up in his match winning peg. At least not to me anyway.

Next was newbie Count Lucas Sanchez de Muniain III (He isn’t a count, and I don’t know if he is the third Lucas ever. I would imagine that there is more of them out there). After the usual welcome and quoting of rules, Lucas was handed over to Sgt Bracey to be vetted and ‘Jerrified’. Jerry soon had the lad casting to a reasonable standard within a few minutes. I also watched as John had a go at imprinting some of his knowledge upon the boy. Even I had a bash at teaching him some of my skills and soon had him casting well to a clip. Hopefully he will return so we can continue his impressive learning curve.

Last to arrive was a much-grown George. Not only had he grown in height, but he had sadly developed an opinion. It’s always a sad day when a once loved child with a squeaky voice and a desire to do everything he taught without question, is reluctantly transferred Jerry’s ‘Plastic Comb’ list. But it happens as they grow up and their faces screw up into whiny, annoying, irritating little monsters. Not that George has reached that point yet, Bruv. I’m just saying, like.

The plan was to have a fish and see what we could catch. Then come together and talk about what we had found. But George only lasted a few hours, and Alexander decided that the Restaurant was a much better option. I can’t say I blame either of them to be honest. The wind, although light, was in the north-west and very cold. Particularly when the sun went behind one of the rare clouds.

Lucas managed to stick it out to the very end when Jerry called ‘Rugby time!’ and the day was drawn to a close.

In the end I think we managed to deliver a good amount of coaching despite the water still being quite cold. Neil it was who managed to find some Carp in the margins towards the end of the day.

Thank you to Jerry, Neil & John for their time and patience today.

Thank you also to everyone at Todber Manor for letting us play with your fish...

The next event is the Senior/Junior Pairs Match. So (hopefully) we’ll be guaranteed of a good turnout which will make Graham happier.

Our next coaching day is on the 11th of April at Harbourbridge lakes. This will mark the first day of the new Jurassic Juniors events. If you have any suggestions for coaching topics, let me know.

The (Penultimate) Mud-Slinger…