To all members and interested parties.
Due to circumstances beyond our control we are hereby giving notice that ALL region organised "Teach Ins" are having to be put on ice for the foreseeable future.
We have enjoyed a very close relationship with MKF who in past years have given us, as members of MKF, permission to fish one of their lakes for our Teach Ins with regards safe pike unhooking and handling. This was the culmination of free instruction with regards pike fishing which was carried out in a classroom environment and casting techniques with lures and different set ups in a field. We also offered free instruction and days out to adult members crossing over from other angling disciplines.
Now I am teaching the members here to suck eggs but will state the following for those that do not know. Pike are a very important part of the waters eco system. Being the apex predator they have their very important place there. The "Pike Pyramid" has to be maintained as does the Pike to Bait ratio. In our not inconsequential way we believed we did our part in maintaining this. The biggest threat to the Pike is Pike Anglers. Bad handling and incorrect angling can ruin a water very quickly as we all know. Our Teach Ins are an important part of what we as the PACGB do whilst we are "Working for Pike and Pike Angling" Not least of which we hoped that what we did sowed a seed that could grow in the kids and help them in their angling journey as they went onto become the members of clubs in the future
Due to the recent "announced" changes within MKF our members will no longer be re-joining due to the costs involved. We make no judgement one way or another. We are anglers not businessmen so would never be so presumptuous in telling anyone how to run their business.
As anglers I feel that we can say this though. Kids are the anglers and members of the future. Its hard enough getting them away from the Play Stations as it is without pricing them, or indeed the fathers that will take them, out of the game.
We would like to thank the previous MKF management for there help and encouragement and for there foresight in allowing us to teach the kids and adults in what is a specialised subject within angling. We would also like to wish the new Management the success they deserve in the future.
We are currently looking towards new venues and family orientated clubs that would wish to invest in the future of our sport. It should be an easy task, all they have to do is say "Yes John you can fish here with the kids" It doesn't cost them a penny and they get a pool of future members and an awfully nice write up in the magazine so that will reach a far larger audience of potential members. For any mums and dads looking in, or indeed clubs that have not been contacted yet, we carry our own insurance and everyone is covered by that whilst under our control on the banks of your club.
As soon as a venue is found you have my word we will continue doing what I and other members of the PACGB are passionate about.
Merry Xmas and Tight Lines
