Stick Float Clinics

Notice the plural in the title! We've been running these Stick Float Clinics for quite a few years now, and we thought maybe all those that were going to come along would have done so in the past few years. It seems, however, that these days just continue to grow in popularity – so much so that this year we hosted two full days, both with 20+ people booked on.  

Thankfully, the weather was generally kind to us on both days, as these are basically tuition days. We host the days at the prolific Marford Farm, and it's thanks to Derek Pullman and his bailiff crew that the venue was looking as marvellous as always. This fishery really is a credit to them, and to the club. 

The idea of the day is to give people an insight into how to get the most from our rivers by using a stick float and centrepin. There is so much more finesse with this method, that it undoubtedly will buy you more bites, and catch you more fish. Rather than sitting behind a stationary leger rod, work your swim and explore all the nooks and crannies, winkling out those specimens that you might otherwise have missed.  

Fishing with a pin is not a complicated art, but it's something that people seem to have an inherent fear of if they have never done it before. However, with our resident experts Keith Speer, Dave Currell, Paul Cox and Tony Tugman on hand, we do our best to pass on some tips and knowledge.  

First thing in the morning, the attendees met us in the Marford Car Park, and were greeted with never-ending bacon rolls and tea/coffee while everyone had a chat and got to know each other. We then moved onto the fishery and Keith Speer gave a talk for about 90 minutes, covering all the various aspects of fishing with a stick float. He is well practiced in this lecture, and covers all the usual topics such as shotting patterns and their uses, rod and reel selection, fish location, bait choice and application, and 101 other little titbits of information. All of this is really useful, and even experienced pin anglers take away one or two little tips that improve their fishing. It also serves to whet the appetite of the attendees for the fun part of the day (not that Keith's talk isn't fun – honest!).  

After more tea and coffee, it was on to the river itself. With three swims prepared throughout the morning, and the tackle already tested and fine-tuned, it was up to the attendees to have a go themselves. Each person was coached through the basics, and I think everyone managed to catch. After an hour or two, most were far more confident in swinging out their float and trotting through a likely a run. Keith, Dave, Paul and Tony  were on hand to offer advice and small corrections where necessary, and it was fantastic to see several anglers catch their first ever barbel on the day.  

It's always nice to receive some positive feedback, and here are a couple of the comments made on the club's forum and in emails to the Secretary after the event; 

"As a new member of VAC I attended the stick float clinic held at Marford Farm yesterday. It was excellent! I've been an angler for over 65 years and been a member of many clubs in that time. Undoubtedly VAC is the best of the lot. 

Keep up the good work!" 

from Ted Brown. 

 "Many thanks to Keith, Dave and all the team for the tuition and also keeping us supplied with tea coffee and a constant supply of bacon sarni's. A great, well run and informative day that im sure has definitely improved my trotting technique and hopefully will enable me to catch more fish

Thanks again to all the team for your hard work which is much appreciated by me and I'm sure all members who attended" 

from Barry 

 "Morning , I too would like to add my thanks to everyone involved in what was a very enjoyable and informative day. Fishery looked great, Paul made a mean bacon roll and Keith's talk and thoughts were very interesting.

It was great to see such a good turnout. I enjoyed myself so much I think I'll invest in a centre pin! I fished for 4 hours and had a million chub to about four pound, lots of Perch to a pound, some clonking donks, roach, minnows and some 6oz barbel !! Would never have caught that lot on a 16 mm Halibut pellet!

Thanks everyone for your efforts."
from Rory