Pike Teach-Ins

Member feedback on the 2021 Pike Teach-Ins 

 

Dear Ian,

I have been pike fishing on several occasions now since the beginning of October and have been able to put into practice some of the things I learned at the pike teach-in. Having caught several pike in the past weeks I have realised just how good and useful the pike teach-in was.  I feel a lot more confident in handling the pike on the bank. I no longer used a gloved hand being one example. I have also started to make my own traces, and wish I had done this years ago.

It is clearly a major commitment from those involved in the preparation and presentation of the teach-in, but it is so valuable and beneficial.

Kind regards, Rom Zbieranowski

3rd October 2021

 

Hi Ian, I'd just like to say a big thank you to Farnham Angling society for the pike teach in. I attended today and learnt a great deal, from rig tying, tackle requirements and most importantly fish care. I must say that Mike's passion for pike angling and their well being shone through. 

I mostly attend the club matches but wish to expand my angling abilities, I am also acquiring some carp gear having won the bivvy in the club competition last year.

I note that there is also the opportunity to attend a carp fishing teach in which I would like to attend.

Best regards 

Rob Matheson 

3rd October 2021

 

Hi Ian,

Just wanted to say how good the teach in for pike fishing was with Mike Slater today

• A real must for anybody thinking about starting pike fishing as it helps to protect the fish and ensure anglers are using good practices

• Great content and taught very well

• We were very lucky today with weather, so think in future should consider running the course where there is shelter and more seating (standing for 3.5 hours not great)

• Really good to have tea & coffee and equipment available to purchase

• I believe that there is a teaching aid that is a plastic pike that would strengthen the ability to demonstrate the internal workings of a pike rather than having to stress a live pike which may be a good investment for the club

Thank you to everyone involved and in particular Mile Slater for sharing his expertise and volunteering his time. 

Kind regards, Peter Wickham

3rd October 2021

 

 I really enjoyed today's teach in very informative  and necessary tactics for catching handling with the fishes welfare and survival  in mind .

I would like to thank Mick and helpers for a very good presentation .

Kind Regards, Dave Hunt

27th September 2021

Dear Ian,

I attended a pike teach-in yesterday, run by Mike Slater. I just wanted to contact you to say what a useful and valuable experience it was. Expertly delivered and I personally learned so much. It has given me increased confidence, and most importantly consideration about how I can improve fish welfare. I believe it must also have huge benefits for the pike and pike fishing in FAS waters. 

Mike mentioned that there were potential plans to make a video version of the tutorial. I think this is a fantastic idea, as it would be extremely useful to refer back to later. 

Well done to FAS for providing this learning resource and to Mike for providing his time and expertise. 

Kind regards, Doug Mitchell

27th September 2021

Morning, just to acknowledge how useful yesterday’s teach in was and how professional it was handled. I’m a new member coming back to angling after 50 yrs away and this was a brilliant reminder how important it is to treat fish well and critical for the future of our sport. Mike presented it brilliantly. A credit to FAS. I will definitely go to the other’s species teach in. 

I big thank you and please more of the same. 

Colin Aitken

27th September 2021

 

Dear Ian,

I hope all well with you. Just to let you know that I attended the pike teach-In at Badshot Lea today. I have my pike stamp now which is great and looking forward to the pike season. 

I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the event. Mike Slater was really good at explaining so many aspects of Pike fishing all with modern up to date techniques. 

His care and attention to detail was fantastic. All attending were engaged and very impressed. Everyone left knowing how to improve the way to fish for pike. His enthusiasm for pike welfare is second to none. I'm sure all attending will follow the high standards so well explained by Mike. 

The teach-in was real credit to the club. I'm sure the quality of pike fishing in club waters will improve through the clubs and Mike's efforts.

Best regards, Jon Atter

19th September 2021

 

Hello Ian,

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who made this possible especially Mike Slater as they all do this on a voluntary basis.

The teach in was very thorough and enjoyable and I learned a lot even though I have fished for pike for many years.

I’m sure this will be of huge benefit to the society’s stock.

Best regards, Tom Vahey.

Sunday 29th September 2019

I wanted to send you a quick note to say how good we found the Pike Teach-In. I attended last year and this year my 10 year old son wanted to attend and join me on my winter Pike sessions. Mike and the team were great and made Finlay feel very welcome, he even gave him the trace he made as part of the demo which he is very excited to use. Thanks, Adam

Just a short note to say what a cracking job Mike Slater and the other bailiffs did on Sunday. I did the course last year as a guest and again this year as a member. Great insight into fish conservation and welfare. Mike handled the large group well. The efforts of all are greatly appreciated. Regards, Nick

I attended the Pike Teach-In today at Badshot Lea. Just wanted to drop the club a note to say what an excellent day this was. I have previously caught lots of Pike, but I learned a lot, which I will carry into my future fishing. It is so great to see clubs actively ensuring fish welfare. I have the Thames weir ticket and, from what i have seen there, I wish the Environment Agency ran a similar course to you. Thanks so much to the club, Mike and the other guys for their efforts. Many thanks, Duff

Pike Teach-In 15th September 2019

Please pass on our sincere thanks to Mike Slater, Simon King and the rest of the team who made today's Pike Teach-In such a great morning.

I would have loved to have had this session available 35 years ago before catching my first Pike. We have both come away with more knowledge and confidence as a result and would thoroughly recommend this teach-in to others wanting to target Pike on FAS waters or elsewhere.

This is the first teach-in of any sort we have attended with FAS and were both hugely impressed with the set up and the knowledgeable people who led the session. Keep up the great work! Best regards, Simon & William Hicks

Sun 30th September Pike Teach- in 

Just a quick note to provide some positive feedback around the Pike Teach-in held yesterday morning at Badshot Lea.

As a new member to FAS I attended the Pike Teach- in at Badshot Lea yesterday to gain a better understanding and awareness of Pike fishing techniques and fish welfare given my experience is limited and furthermore spread over many years so I thought a short briefing would bring me up to speed.

I have to say the content delivered along with the hands on demonstration led by Mike  Slater and the supporting delivery team was far more than I expected, delivering precise professional guidance and information that Iam sure would have provided benefit to all those in attendance including myself.

Many thanks for a great morning.

Best Regards, Jeff

Pike Teach In - 22nd September 2018

I'd just like to thank and praise the team who ran yesterdays Pike Teach-In session.  As a guest, I attended with a friend (Adam Watson) who is a member.  The session was very informative and as a total novice to Pike Fishing I came away with the confidence to not only build my own rigs but also to safely handle Pike.

The team were very professional and friendly.  I was clear as to the tackle I needed and how best to prepare rigs and ensure they were both strong and reliable.

Great session and it would certainly encourage me to join the Society.

Best regards, Nick Gee

Pike Teach-In - 16th September 2018

Can you please pass on my thanks to the entire team responsible for the Pike Teach in yesterday. Whilst I had attended one some time ago, it was well worth having a refresher. I brought my young son along so that he could learn about the responsible way to fish for pike in the future, and despite his very real fears, was expertly shown how to safely open a Pike’s mouth. He walked away from there on Sunday 10 feet tall after achieving the feat for himself. It’s a credit to the club, and will ensure that FAS pike will be respected properly for the great sport they provide. Well done!

Kind regards, Ian Reynolds

Feedback from the Pike Teach-Ins 2017

 

Just a quick mail to congratulate Farnham Angling Society for the teach in which I attended on Sunday 1st October 2017.

It was clear as soon as I drove into the car park at Badshot Lea lake that this was no ad hoc event but one which was properly organised.

Tea and coffee provided (50p but lots of refills) and Yateley Angling tackle shop for last minute bits and pieces, though thankfully I didn’t need them.

The teach in itself was very well presented and extremely informative; covering everything from rig making, bankside equipment and setup and of course, fish handling.

The teach in was very well attended with, I believe 40 members so it was an excellent opportunity to learn new things and make new friends.

All in all I had a great time, and though I am a Pike angler of 30 over years’ experience, it never hurts to brush up on your knowledge. Please pass on my gratitude to the team which conducted the event.

Regards, Richard Longhurst

Members experience of the 2016 Pike Teach Ins

I have been fishing for over 50 years, but found the Pike Teach-In " very useful "

A morning well spent.

Big thank you to Mike Slater.
Regards, Rodney Hills

Members experience of the 2016 Pike Teach Ins

I am writing this to express my thanks to Mike Slater and the team who presented the Pike Teach In. (2.10.16)

It was a very very good experience. I am so glad I did it , because I learnt so much from it.

From traces , equipment etc ..... but mainly and I think most importantly how to handle a PIKE.

The time seemed too go so quick as was enjoyable. The teach in was conducted at a great pace, and allowed for people to interact, ask questions and be hands on.

Mike presented with such enthusiasm and knowledge. The rest of the team were  also excellent in their manner and encouragement.

I will certainly be looking for any similar teach ins if available.
Best regards, Phil Venables

Pike Teach On - 1st October 2016

The Pike Teach-In was fantastic. It has taught me a new range of skills and I feel much more confident. Please continue these and allocate Mike a decent budget as they are very professional and set Farnham apart from other clubs.

Boyd Butler

Pike Teach-In - Saturday 24th September 2016

I attended the Farnham AS Pike Teach-In, having travelled up from my home in Cornwall. I should like to thank Mike Slater and the team who helped me, as I recently had a hip replacement and needed some assistance.

I am looking forward to Pike fishing in your waters in the very near future.

Kind Regards, David Eddington

Pike Teach-In 2016

Excellent event with so much visual presentation and literal hands on experience with an opportunity to purchase the necessary kit.

Regards, Ian Sewter

Pike Teach-In 2016

Ian, I attended the session this morning and have one word for it all, BRILLIANT.

Thanks a million, Val

Pike Teach-In 2016

I just wanted to comment on what a thoroughly useful event this was on 18th Sept. It’s really good to see this kind of instruction to ensure anglers are equipped with the necessary knowledge, kit and confidence to ensure Pike safety. Top notch.

Best regards, Paul Douglas

18th September 2016

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed todays teach-in at Badshot Lea.

Whilst I have been Piking for 30 yrs, as a new member to FAS, I knew I had to get my book stamped to allow me to fish for Pike. I thought it would just be grind I had to go through to get the 'tick in the box' HOW WRONG I WAS !!

Mike has an engaging style, and is a first class communicator. The whole group were engaged and enthused. I could tell from the questions of those new to Piking that Mike had them hooked, and he covered all the questions patiently and fully. Top notch stuff.

I throughly enjoyed the session, and I know that those lads who were novice Pikers got a lot out of it from the tea-break discissions We had.

The Pike Teach-Ins are a real feather in the cap of FAS, and set a standard other clubs would do well to follow.

So thanks again, and please pass on my thanks to Mike for a great teach-in.

King regards, John Morton

Pike Teach in - 18th September 2016

I attended the Pike teach-in this morning, found it to be very informative & well run, Mike's experience shows as he explains the different elements & shares his tips & techniques. I am predominately a Carper but want to try something different in the winter months & this Teach-In has given me the confidence to give Pike fishing a go reassured that I now know how to handle & care for the Pike. Having the required tackle available to purchase on the day was very handy as was the tea & biscuits !

If anyone is reading this wondering whether or not to attend one of these teach-ins then I would highly recommend it, you will only gain from this relaxed & sociable event.

Kevin Summers

Members experience of the 2015 Pike Teach Ins

I have been an avid Pike angler for over 20 years now (one of the main reasons for me joining the society for the first time this year), I am very confident in my knowledge and practises when Pike angling but am also a firm believer in the more you know the better and I will never confess to knowing everything that’s for sure! I thought the Tech-in was very well organised and set out and even with 20 years’ experience I still got a lot out of it and learnt something new…. Well a few things to be honest.

Mike, Simon, Alan and everyone where all very friendly and welcoming and it was great to see some of the younger generation there attending as well. The level of knowledge and detail was inspiring and if more clubs around the country took the time and effort to do things like this then the world would be a better place that’s for sure.

I will be spreading the word and will be recommending this to some of my “angling colleagues” and will definitely be bringing my son along the next time he is available, he might pay attention to Mike more than he does me!!

Just a big thank you to the guys and hope these Tech-ins continue long in to the future as I firmly believe they are invaluable and highly worthwhile and everybody that attends WILL learn something…. Knowledge is power after all.  

Best Regards, Darren Lesner

Please could you pass on my thanks to Mike and the team from both myself and son Ben for the pike teach in last night. We found it not only informative, but entertaining as well and I for one learnt a huge amount that I didn't know about the species.  Even Simon's tea and coffee was good!!!:-)

This is our first season at Farnham and we've been so impressed by so many aspects of the society, its a huge credit to the team that run everything from the bailiffs on the banks, through to the team we met last night! Top Drawer. Keep up the great work!

Best Regards, Rob & Ben Munro
 
I am writing to say how much I appreciated and enjoyed the Pike teach-in given by Mike Slater, with the excellent support of his colleagues, on Saturday 26th September. It was a glorious day in a great setting by the the Big Pond.
 
It was very clear how much Mike cares about fish welfare and, as a relative novice of about 4 years now, he certainly brought home to me the importance of ensuring that your tackle, rigs, and fishing handling must all be set up and carried out with the greatest of care. Having never caught a pike before, the sight of the big one in the holding take was both exhilarating and scary. However, Mike and the team put everyone at ease and I went away feeling much more confident about my first encounter with one of our top predators.
 
I bought some of the tackle and tools on sale at the time. I wish I’d known that they would be on offer at very competitive prices.  I could have saved myself a bob or two as I’d already bought the large snips and long nose pliers.
 
One final thought on the fish handling session. Some guys, me included, turned up in jeans. I was lucky and borrowed a pair of the bailiffs waterproofs but some guys went home absolutely soaked. I guess we should have thought it through but clearly most of us didn’t. Perhaps a note to advise members to take waterproofs along could be added in to the advance notice of the next set of courses.
 
Please pass on my thanks to Mike for a very informative, interesting, entertaining and above all essential pike training session for Farnham AS members.
 
Yours sincerely, Mike Edmunds
 
I have just attended today’s Pike Teach- In and would like say thank you to Mike and his team of volunteers for a very interesting and informative session.
 
I have never fished for pike before and was a little apprehensive at starting, but having attended the teach in I feel a lot more confident in going out to fish for pike.
 
The teach in has given me a better understanding of the fish itself, how to fish for it, land/ handle/unhook it, and correctly return it to its habitat.
 
Thank you again, Geoff Stow (Guest)
 
I attended a pike teach-in today and just wanted to let you know how grateful I was for the opportunity to attend the teach-in and just how much I got out of it.

I've done a little pike fishing in the past, read lots of books and articles on the subject and watched many videos.  The teach-in however taught me so much more and allowed me to ask all the questions that I had.  It really brought home to me the numerous ways in which baited treble hooks could end up broken off in the water, the terrible consequences of this happening and how to prevent it from happening.

The pike handling session helped build my confidence in handling future catches and I was able to purchase a number of items that will ensure next time I go pike fishing I have the right equipment to help ensure that I don't harm the pike.

Thanks to all those involved who I understand gave up their time freely.

Regards, Steve Scoltock

Sunday 12th October Teach-In

I attend the Pike Teach-In on Sunday 12th October and found it to be very enjoyable and informative. Your team of instructors were very friendly and I was shown the correct proceeders with fish welfare top priority. Keep up the good work.

Yours sincerely Paul Reynolds 

Regards, Mark Yarranton

Pike Teach In on Sunday 12th October 2014

This is my first season at FAS, and although I do not do a lot of Pike fishing, I thought it was worthwhile attending one of the teach-ins.

I found the experience very worthwhile, and feel I have gained a lot of confidence from attending.

My thanks to all the personnel involved.

Yours sincerely, Patrick Kearney

I have just returned from the Farnham angling pike teach in and would like to say congratulations to the Society and especially Mike Slater and the team for the professional and informative manner that the teach in was conducted.

I consider myself to be a competent predator angler but I still learnt more about Pike handling and the use of Pike tackle than I had expected. The foreword thinking of FAS and the commitment of members like Mike Slater and he's team cannot fail to improve the welfare of Pike and fisheries in the future.

Hats off to all concerned

Tight lines, Michael Drinkwater

Just a few words to say how much my two boys and I enjoyed the Pike teach in today. It was very informative and interesting and well worth doing. We now have our stamps and a deeper understanding of Pike fishing in general.  Many thanks to Mike Slater for being so good with my kids. They are grinning from ear to ear.

All the best, Steve, Max and Daniel  Collings.

I attended the ‘Pike Teach In’ today, where it was well attended. I travelled nearly 2 hours from home not knowing what to expect and must say I really enjoyed myself. I took away a lot learned in the three hours we were at the lake, which is a credit to your volunteers that enable this to happen. Your volunteers and the ‘Teach In’ are a credit to your club, it is a shame that others could not follow suit as not only would others benefit from such but those that truly matter… the Pike. Thank you.

Regards, Turan Basri

Just dropping you a line to say that i took part in the last Pike teach in with my son and had a great time, Mike is an excellent coach he made it very fun informitive and covered everything clearly and at a pace we all could take in all we needed to in all the sections covered. He made us all welcome and answered any questions that were asked of him, although i have caught Pike in the past, I have now more confidence to fish for Pike and handle them after what i have learnt today, and have brought the tools mike recomended.

I cannot recommend highly enough that these teach ins keep going every year.

Regards, Gary Lilley

As a new member of FAS I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to be a member of a club that cares not only about the stock and waters but also providing their members with excellent guidance on the proper care for its fish.

Mike Slater not only showed himself as knowledgeable but also as a great teacher and was spot on when he said that I would learn a few things - even if I felt I knew it all (which I'm almost embarrassed to say I did!).

I feel, after the course, completely confident handling Pike with the care they deserve but also that I have joined a truly great Angling Society.

Mike is most certainly a credit to FAS and I think that the teach-in is an excellent practice that can only be the envy of other clubs.

Yours sincerely, Ollie Sheridan
 
Good evening,

I would like to make a few comments regarding the Pike Teach-In which I attended on Sunday.
 
The session was well laid out and very informative, Mike ran the course in a manor that everybody attending could follow easily,
 
My 14 year old son attended as well as a couple of smaller children, (and as usual, the kids put the adults to shame), but at no point did anybody appear to be struggling to follow the information being given.
 
During the handling session I was quite surprised at the number of people attending who had never handled a Pike before, this alone in my opinion is justification enough for running this training, as I firmly believe large predators such as Pike and Catfish do require sensitive handling which does require demonstrating by an experienced angler, (OK I'm biased I'm a CCG Member).

Anyone thinking "why do I need to attend as I've been Pike fishing for years" think again, as Mike states at the start of the session, and I will reiterate "everybody will get something from the teach-in", he is right, a few of the things I have been shown over the years as being the 'right way to do it' turned out to be the wrong way !
 
As someone, who probably like many others, was a little apprehensive about this thinking there was probably a hidden agenda or gimmick, boy did I have a shock, after attending I would have no hesitation in recommending this training to anybody, be they expert or novice.
 
I would like to finish with a final thank you for having the rule in place which has made me attend this training, I can only regret not becoming a member of FAS in the past, as if nothing else this has shown me that I have potentially put fish at risk in the past by thinking I was fishing the right way.
 
It's a shame other fishing clubs don't run similar training.

Kind regards Bob Francis
 
1st October Teach-In
 
Sirs,
 
I attended Pike Teach-in last week and was pleasantly surprised by variety of aspects covered.
 
As an Hon Fishery Officer and a retired commercial Fishery Manager it is refreshing to find a Society dedicated to the continued survival of an apex predator.
 
My thanks to Mike Slater for an informative evening.
 
Regards, Adrian Ellis

Teach-In of 1st October 2014

Hello my name is Paul Smith, I'm a 1st year member and I attended the pike teach in last night ( oct 1st ) I just thought I'd drop u a quick message just to say how enjoyable,enthusiastic  and informative it was,I deffantly came away learning more than when I went in !! Mike and the gang was great and its really good of them to give up their time as well,!! All for our benifit !! Good job lads !! Brilliant !!!!

Paul Smith

I am writing you this email after attending the Pike Teach-In on Saturday 20th September. I have never fished for Pike before and found it very imformative.

Mike and the team delivered an excellent seminar and I feel confident enough now to go fishing.please pass on my comments to who ever needs to know. Yours sincerly, Dennis Cannon 

I am just dropping you an email to say how fantastic it is, that dedicated members of Farnham Angling Club have given their own time into teaching anglers of all ages the correct way of Pike handling and showing the anglers the right equipment required to fish for them.

My step son Addison who is 12yrs old attended the session on Saturday 20th September 2014 and was a bit apprehensive of handling a Pike. But after excellent tuition he now feels more relaxed in handling the Pike and is now more than ever wanting to Pike fish.

It is a great shame that other clubs don't follow suit and have those dedicated members that are willing to show these techniques. This is what makes Farnham Angling Society such a great club to be with.

Kind regards, John

I am 50 plus and have been fishing for many years.
 
I was most impressed with the fact that you have Pike training days amongst others as this fish looks so tough and is nor really. I have to say the way the trainers and bailiffs conduct the whole day is a credit to your club and you should attempt to build on this as it is crucial to the well being of our club. Also I felt the prices of the equipment on sale was also very reasonable.
 
Please pass this on to your team
 
Regards, Derek Povey         18th September
 
 
Dear Sir, just a little message to say how much I enjoyed and found informative st the Pike handling course on Saturday 20th September.
 
Yours sincerely, Brian Farmer
 
 
Good morning Ian,

Both my father and i joined farnham this year signed up at the farnborough show and have spent many happy months fishing for all sorts of species and on many different waters. We have found all the locations we have gone well setup, nice & secure car parks, toilet facilities good selection of swims.

Coming to the winter months we both enjoy Pike fishing, we were shocked to see that WE had to go on a course to allow US to pike fish .....I have been fishing for some 30+ years now and my father for some 50 years........

Well we turned up not really knowing what to expect but pretty sure WE did not need to be there..............

The course was very well run although when you equipment is being inspected a little bit nerve racking, the three guys (Mike, Alan and Simon) were more than happy to help and discuss the use of all different tackle types and why Farnham has adopted this teach-in .

Most courses i attend in both work and home life generally teach you, to do some thing this this way because that what you are told. Mike discussed why he was doing it in a particular way and how other methods are OK but this way is easy.
 
I can honestly say without a shadow of doubt that this was a well spent Saturday morning, both my father an i have working in the fisheries industry over the years and are used to handling lots of fish for transporting etc however when fishing for pleasure it is easy to forget these "wee beasties" we are trying to catch are indeed fish and need to be show the proper respect.

we are now both thinking that the barbel teach-in could be fun.......

Well done Farnham angling society top marks

Regards, Jason Oram
 
 
Hello Ian. My name is Aaron Attwood and I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the pike teach in yesterday. How informative I found the morning and that I now fell more confident in handling Pike. A big thank you to the team who run this event. Keep up the good works.
 
Aaron.

Feedback & compliments following the Pike Teach-In of 14th September 2014.

1/. I have just returned from a pike teach in  and I thought I would drop you a line to say how educational it was . I have been fishing for Pike for over 50 years and I thought I thought I knew a tremendous amount  about this type of fishing , I now realize how wrong I was.
Being shown what the best hooks are, wire trace, how to tie the hooks, to know when a bite is other than a run, when to strike, the proper use of the fishing unhooking mat and how to unhook the fish  plus a lot more. All said in a friendly and informative way.

I would would be grateful if you could pass on to Mike and his colleagues, my thanks for their time and trouble in arranging the Teach-In.

Best Wishes, Duncan Cox

2/. Just wanted to say I learned a lot today. Many thanks to Mike and crew who volunteer to do this for free. Can't wait to use it now. Thx again.

Cheers, Mike McGuire
P.S. Exceeded my expectations hugely.

3/. Hi, I would like to say thank you to Mike Slater and Dave and the others for the help at the Pike Teach-In today as I was nervous, but I was made to feel calm and talked through it I feel more confident in myself handling Pike now.

Thank you, bailiff at Lodge: Teddy Blackwell

4/. I attended a pike teach in at Badshot Lea  today and would like to say that Mike and Dave were very informative and showed all aspects of Pike fishing and handling, made you feel a lot more  confident answered all questions in full detail excellent service and a big thanks to you all well worth the time and effort to go.
 
Mick Tolley

Frank Gulliver - 18th October 2013

I went to the last of the year Pike Teach-ins. It was cold and poured with rain the whole time. Was it a good day ?

No . . . . . .  IT WAS A GREAT DAY ! ! !

Who cares about the weather when you have a BRILLIANT teacher with a SUPER  team. Everybody was so helpful and went the extra mile, even with my idiot questions. I did learn a lot which will help make me a much better angler, so now to put the lessons into practise.

Keep up the EXCELLENT work. 

Many thanks, Frank Gulliver

John Boorer - 17th October 2013

Nick Buckland - 17th October 2013

David Sershall - 14th October 2013

I attended a Pike Teach-In today at Badshot Lea and it was excellent. The enthusiasm and passion to protect the pike stocks from Mike and the guys was brilliant, and I came away far more confident to go fishing for these fantastic predators !
 
Please pass on my thanks to Mike and the guys & Farnham Angling Society.
 
Regards, David Sershall

Paul Partridge - 14th October 2013

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Mike and all the team for yesterday’s very informative Pike Teach-In session provided by Farnham Angling Society. It was a real wet affair as it poured with rain all the time we were there, but the  team are clearly old pros at all things Pike and that didn’t dampen there spirits.  It was conducted in a very professional manner and all questions were answered to the full. The guys were very approachable and I think everybody benefited from the session.

Thanks Guys and keep up the good work, Paul Partridge

Stewart Parnell - 13th October 2013

Vincent Macdonald - 12th October 2013

Last Wednesday I attended one of the pike teach in sessions.
 
I would just like to say how fantastic this was and a very enjoyable evening. I learnt so much I was surprised. It gave me the confidence to go out and fish for the dread Pike with all those teeth.

Well Saturday saw me all kitted out, rigs made and tested as shown and looking for a swim on the Loddon by the Mill. The bailiff comes along as I am setting up and manages to bring doom with the old, "Not been a frost yet, so no Pike !"

With in 10 minutes I have my 1st Pike out at a nice 8lbs. A couple of hours later sees my 2nd of the day at a very respectable 10lbs. Just after a lunch break, I re-cast and as the bait hits bottom the alarm goes off, thinking maybe it is not a fish I follow the advice about watching the line move and land a 6lb 8oz Pike ! A great days fishing and with the new skills learnt the skills to deal with the Pike.

So a very big THANK YOU and keep up the good work.
  
Regards, Vincent Macdonald

Marcus Fennell - 5th October 2013

Nathan Fleming - 3rd October 2013

Kevin Kelly - 5th October 2013

Nick Davidson - 3rd October 2013

I thought I'd drop you a quick email to register my thanks to Mike Slater and the two Dave's for last nights Pike Teach-In. 

I've never been a fan of Pike and to be honest, a little apprehensive about handling them due to my previous experience.  It was this that spurred me on along with the previous positive comments other members recorded on the website that made me take the plunge and learn what to do.  Mike is a natural at making the audience at ease despite various levels of experience and pitching the teach in at the right level it got everyone's attention. 

Being a novice and not knowing a trace from side cutter, I found the evening hugely beneficial and the handling easier than expected when shown exactly what to do first hand in a one to one situation.  My thanks to FAS and Mike for putting themselves out to do this for the benefit of all anglers and Pike. I now feel confident to handle them should I be lucky enough to catch one by design.

Regards, Nick Davidson

Chris Jupp - 21st September 2013

I would like to thank the gents that held the Pike Teach-In on Saturday at BLBP. It was very informative and I feel better equipped to try my hand at a bit of pike fishing this winter. As well as ensuring the safety of the fish the teach ins are a great way of introducing new comers to Pike angling and have given me the confidence to give it a go . Well done all !

Kevin Ironman - 21st September 2013

I would just like to say a big thank you to Franham AS for the Pike Teach-In. especially  to Mike Slater and his team of helpers for giving up their time. The teach in is very thorough and I learnt some things that I do not do, such as load testing the rig before casting it out, which I will be putting into practice with my carp fishing. Also the handling of pike has given me more confidence. So I can now put my new found skills to the test So a big thank you ! ! !

Alan Robinson - 17th September 2013

Carl Robinson - 15th September 2013

Nick Horton - 8th November 2012

"Last Sunday I attended a teach-in given by Mike Slater. It was excellent! I've fished for nearly 50 years and caught a few Pike in that time and thought I was pretty clued up. How wrong I was. Mike's teach-in was interesting and informative and sometimes amusing. Every club should run these and make it mandatory to attend. There's only so much you can learn from DVD's."

Regards Nick Horton

Lew Lewington - 6th November 2012

Dear Mr Gray, I am a new member to Farnham Angling Society, and by being new, to fish for Pike it is compulsory to attend one of the clubs`Pike Teach- in`sessions which I did on November 4th at Badshot Lea.

I have previously fished for Pike and was amazed at what I did not know, I would like to say how professional Mike Slater and all of his team presented it, the whole team run it on a friendly basis and helped everyone as a group and individually to gain confidence, Mike Slater and his passion for Pike safety was magnificent, before I attended the session I was slightly skeptical as to its importance, but now after attending and learning so much I hope the Society continues these helpful and necessary Pike Teach-In`s.

Once again many thanks, and if possible, could you please pass my thanks to Mike and all of his team. Many Thanks, L Lewington

Leroy Harris - 4th November 2012

I thought that I should drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed the Pike teach in today at Badshot Lea.

Although there was a large number of us attending, (around 50 people I think), it was very informative and interesting.

I have never had any dealings with Pike in the past as I found them quite intimidating and formidable!

I now look forward to putting into practice all I have learned to ensure that both the fish and I remain safe!!

Brian Morris - 4th November 2012

Just a couple of lines to say how much I enjoyed the teach-in given this morning by Mike Slater and his team.

I have seen quite a few training sessions during my life and this one was probably the best. To give so much information in a memorable way and to admonish bad practice without being "preachy", is quite a talent.

I was also impressed with the general atmosphere of friendliness and consideration shown by all.

Most importantly I feel that I can now go fishing for predators with confidence and with proper consideration for the welfare of the fish.

Mick Whitehurst - 4th November 2012

Just returned from today's Pike Teach-In session, having joined your club last week. I was well taken back by the organization of the event. Well presented by Mike and staff.

Having been a fisherman for 55 years catching hundreds of Pike in my time there is still things we can all learn. Once again thank you and your baliffs for a very well organized morning.

John Gouge October 2012

I went to the Pike Teach-In on Wednesday night, 3rd October. What a brilliant idea it is to run these events. I learned so much from the night, from rig making right through to fish handling, everything was covered in such a passionate way by Mike and the team that you could not help but to be impressed with it all. I am registered disabled and have great difficulty kneeling down, but Mike showed me how to handle Pike with confidence and safety, for fish and angler. I would like to thank everybody concerned with the evening.

Damian Shelley October 2012

I have just joined FAS in the last couple of weeks. I fish for Carp through most of the year but also hold a healthy passion for Piking at this time of year.

I knew I had to attend the teach in when I joined because the friend that showed me how to handle a Pike a few years ago was once a student of the same class and he told me it was something still worth doing.

Quite simply it was fantastic. Mike clearly has a huge passion for the fish and their welfare which has to be the top priority. The class also filled in some gaps in my knowledge and helped remind me of some of the basics which I had sometimes overlooked.

In short I think this course or something similar should be compulsory for anyone who ever picks up a rod to go Pike fishing. That way we would all have more fish and bigger fish to go after.

Grant Adams September 2012

I would like to say thank you to Mike Slater for the Pike Teach-Ins, I have been fishing for 25 years, but I learnt so much more at the teach-in on 22nd September 2012. Thanks Mike, see you on the bank some time.

Mark Sparrow September 2012

ATTENTION ALL....... You must attend the Pike Teach-In you wont regret it.

Just a short e-mail to congratulate Mike Slater and the team at the Pike Teach-In. What a fantastic couple of hour, a very insightful session. I have fished for Pike on and off for a few years, but I still found it a very useful and satisfying experience. Mike and the team do a great job.

B & G Daines - September 2012

Reference the Pike Teach-In of 22/9/12, Mike and the boys were great, they have shown me and my father so many great tips. Please keep up the good work.

Stuart Stephens - September 2012

I would just like to thank Mike Slater and his team for a very informative and enjoyable afternoon at the Badshot Lea Pike Teach-In. I found it to be very informative, good fun and above all, very educational

Peter Byrne September 2012

Just been to Pike Teach-In and found it very informative and now feel knowledgeable enough to fish with confidence thanks to Mike and team

Dan Bailey September 2012

I did the Pike Teach-In today, other than being told the wire traces I got off e-bay were not suitable, it was very good. I thought I knew very little about Pike but after the teaching found out I knew all most nothing.

Nigel Wilkinson September 2012

Just want to say a big thank you to Mike Slater and friends for the excellent Pike course. I had no idea there was so much involved, his teaching will be used in all waters fished for Pike

Dennis Delaney September 2012

I attended the Pike Teach-In today just wanted to let you know that I thought that Mike Slater did a superb job. I now have much more confidence handling pike and a much better understanding of the tackle that I need and how to use it in the correct manner.It was really fun and enjoyable and gave me a chance to meet some of my fellow anglers.

James Ware October 2011

Just a quick e-mail to say a huge thank you to Mike and his band of helpers for the Pike Teach-In I attended last night. It was an incredibly informative couple of hours! I have learnt a huge amount and now feel entirely confident in handling a Pike of any size. I look forward to upsetting the wife by cluttering up the coffee table with traces and trebles! Thank you again, I really enjoyed and benefited from the session!

Mark Gramson September 2011

Hi there, just a quick email to thank Mike Slater and the guys for helping me and my 8 year son, who now thinks he is the best fisherman in the world !

I have been coarse fishing for some 35 years, but got so much info on the course. Thanks again.

D P Foster September 2011

I have just taken part in one of the FAS Pike Teach-Ins today and found it really useful and of great help. Mike and the team were very good and I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to fish for Pike. Well done and keep up the good work, this course is well worth doing. Thanks again.

Jason - September 2011

I just wanted to drop you a line with some feedback on the pike teach-in I attended yesterday. I am new to this side of fishing and this was a great platform to build from. I think the guys do a superb job at educating all levels and ages of angler to where they need to be at as far as predator fishing goes. It is great that FAS are making these compulsory (and free!) having heard some of the horror stories of dead fish, etc. Every angling club should adopt this approach and enforce having the correct tools for the job if they run predator waters.

Before the session I was a bit anxious about the pike handling side of things, but the guys did a great job of explaining how and why to hold a fish properly. I am now 100% confident about targeting predator fish, and how to save fish that I find with terminal tackle stuck inside them. Please pass on my thanks to the guys.

Steve Coote - December 2010

Big thanks to Mike Slater and his team for a very informative Pike teach-in.

Steve Frapwell - November 2010

Just a few lines to say that I attended the last Pike fishing teach- in at Badshot Lea Big Pond last Sunday. I found the few hours spent there very helpful and even though I have fished for Pike for a few years I still picked up a few pointers. The guy doing the teaching, Mike Slater I think, came across very well and knows his stuff. I found the people there very friendly and most helpful, a big thank you and well done to all the Farnham Angling Society bailiffs for giving up their time for the welfare of the Pike in yours and other waters.

Phil Mandeville: 14th November 2010

I went on the pike teach-today and want to say how really useful I found it. It was extremely interesting and informative and all credit to Mike and the team for their hard work and professionalism.

Terry Morgan: 14th November 2010

Many thanks for allowing me, a member of the Test Valley Angling Club, to attend today's Pike Teach-In. I think it is a great benefit to angling that you do not restrict attendees to only members of your club. The tuition we were given was clear and concise, and for me, has taken the "fear" away from handling a Pike.

Ken Gomm - emailed September 2010

I am a new member of the FAS and applaud the Society's policy of requiring all members who wish to fish for Pike to attend a Teach-In first and satisfy the Society that they have the necessary tackle, knowledge and basic handling expertise before being allowed to proceed. Mike Slater conducted a brilliant teach-in on Sunday 19th September, which I attended. If all angling Society's adopted the same policy it would greatly improve the lot of the Pike. Congratulations, and please convey my thanks to Mike Slater.

Tim Howes - emailed September 2010

Hi there, I would like to say a big thanks to Mike his team and every one involved for their time and expert advice during the Pike Teach-In. I am a very keen Pike angler and think these fish deserve a high level of respect and care. I went to the teach in on Sunday 19th September and to be fair I did not think there was much I did not know about Pike fishing but after listening to Mike it has already made me a better Pike angler.

Colin Rane - emailed September 2009

Just wanted to email a quick word about the Pike Teach-In I attended last Sunday. I thought it was excellent and very very thorough. My main concern has always been about handling the Pike. Having had one on one guidance while I handled the Pike has been a huge huge help. I think the teach-ins are a superb idea and in my opinion, all clubs should take the same approach. If I had fished for Pike last season on the R&D AA, without having to attend a teach-in (doesn't exist), I would not have had any knowledge how to handle the Pike and therefore would be putting the Pike in danger. I would like to say a big thanks and well done to the guys doing the teach-in.

Brian Fuller - emailed September 2009

I just thought I would drop you a line on the Pike Teach-In on 21st September held by Mike Slater and his friends. It's not often that we send letters, e-mails, etc. when we are happy or pleased with something, but are always ready to complain. I attended this weekend's first teach-in with some trepidation really. Although I wouldn't call myself an expert, I have caught a fair-few Pike and was a little disheartened that I couldn't fish FAS waters without attending this course.
I would be the first to say that I was wrong in thinking that it would be anything like a waste of time. I found it very educational and enjoyed listening to somebody who obviously had more than enough passion for the job of teaching itself. With additional help from his colleagues, Mike made this, apart from the education, a much enjoyable experience with plenty of stories and banter of all kinds.
 And ... I must say, I didn't realise how many mistakes that I was actually making on the bank myself. Little mistakes of course but nonetheless I feel as though I have actually attained a much better understanding of this side of our sport. I hope that you could forward this on the correct party and encourage these teach-ins to continue. Regards from a much appreciative angler.

C E Parslom - letter September 2009

I just wanted to thank you for the Pike Teach-In I attended today. Although I have been Pike fishing for 30 years, I still found I learned some useful tips. If only all clubs held similar events, I am sure our Pike would be in much better shape. At least in FAS no one has an excuse for loosing or damaging fish. Mike Slater and his team deserve a huge 'Thank You' . Please pass this on on my behalf. Tight Lines.