This year 1st Finchampstead Cub Scouts once again had the opportunity for some of our older cubs to have a go at angling. Six of our older cub scouts (aged 9 or 10) were given the challenge of fishing a 4 meter whip to see what they could catch. Thanks to Ian Gray, Farnham Angling Society’s Honorary Secretary who made the day possible, and what a great day we had.
This year we used a keep net to be able to show the cubs how many fish they could catch with their efforts combined. We were kept cool by the many showers the day threw at us, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the cubs in the slightest. Setting up the whips to fish just on the bottom was soon completed with the help of the leaders. And floats were very soon in the water.
It wasn’t long before the first shouts of excitement came as the fish of this great little pond obliged. Many of those taking part had not fished before, but I’m sure they are now hooked for life! Roach with the odd Perch were the first species to come to the nets, follow by great joy and the odd Crucian Carp started to show.
It was quite hard getting some of the enthusiastic young anglers to stop for a quick sandwich at lunchtime, but it gave the leaders a chance for a quick break too. When it rained, boy did it rain. But fortunately the heavy down pours didn’t last long and we were soon fishing again. Maggot, hook-able pellets in different flavours seemed to produce the majority of fish on the day.
The session just flew by and it was soon time to count the catch. A grand total of 52 fish had been landed by just a handful of young anglers. There were smiles all round, and a good few young boys who didn’t really want to leave when it came time to pack up. I’d like to pass on my thanks to Ian Gray and FAS for making the day happen and supplying most of the bait and the EA who last year supplied most of the kit which was also added to by FAS.
Jeff Atkins – Cub Scout Leader
Finchampstead Cubs
