The end of the last 10 week course culminated in a fishing match on lake 4 at Bradshaw on 22nd July with the young people drawing for pegs, choosing which method of fishing and bait to use and setting up themselves.  It was great to see how far they have progressed over the last 10 weeks.  The match was won by Bill who decided to stick it out for the Carp and won with 5lb 10oz.  He was very proud to receive his match winner’s trophy. 

One young person is chosen from each group to receive a special award for behaviour and attendance.  They were thrilled to receive their sets of fishing tackle with a value of £100 each. 

The big event of the day was Sue’s story of the ‘one that got away.’  Sue hooked into a big fish 10 minutes into the match – she was really only going for silver fish so was using a 4 metre whip with a fairly light rig on and a size 18 hook.  In all my years fishing I have never known a fish fight like that one did – it didn’t bolt off but would not come to the surface.  1 hour and 40 minutes it was off the hook!!!  We now think that it was hooked in a fin or something like that and the hook eventually just worked free and it got away without us having even seen it.  The adults who were there were more gutted than Sue was!

The same young people had also been to visit Radcliffe Anglers to pick up the permits that they get as a reward for finishing the 10 week course.  They met with the coaches, found out about events that go on there and had the opportunity to fish one of the lodges.  We also buy each young person a Environmental Agency Rod Licence to ensure they are fully prepared if they go fishing themselves. 

A new 10 week fishing/ environmental course started 2 weeks ago with the Inclusion Team.  There are 3 groups that come every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The introduction week was at Moses Gate where they meet the Park Rangers, find out about GHOF and what they’ll be doing over the next 10 weeks.  We also had the opportunity to fish the lodge at Moses Gate which has improved since all the work has been done on it and it was re-stocked in February.  Last week the groups came to Bradshaw and fished lake 8.  All the young people enjoyed themselves and caught plenty of Chub, Carp, Skimmers, Perch and Roach.  This week we are down at Moses Gate clearing lily pads so that the fishing pegs are kept clear and the lilies don’t take over. 

Castle Hill Youth Club are coming fishing every Friday through the school holidays and are bringing different groups each week.  The Youth-workers that bring the young people are also having a go and everyone has been catching plenty of fish.

On Thursday 6th August The Bolton Council of Mosques brought two groups of young women fishing to Bradshaw.  There was a bit of squeamish giggling going on but by the end of the sessions nearly all the young women had held a maggot and a fish.  Both groups said they had enjoyed the sessions and would want to come back again. 

We had a group of young men from a Detached Team based at The Beacon Youth Centre in Salford come  to Bradshaw last week.  They had never been fishing before and Chris their worker was astounded at how chilled and quiet they all were.  One young man said it was the best activity he had done over the summer (beating go-karting, caving and canoeing!)

We have been doing open sessions at Moses Gate every Tuesday afternoon during the holidays.  I agreed to do these as a thank you to the Park Rangers for their support and help as well as a bit of promotion for GHOF.  We have had 8 places available each week which had to be booked through the Visitors Centre.  There has been a huge demand and a waiting list had to be drawn up.  The taster sessions have gone very well and everyone has caught at least a few fish.  We asked parents to stay with the young people and most of them have got involved as well which was great to see.  Some parents said they would now consider going  fishing as a family and were asking about clubs, permits and tackle.

As you can see we’ve been having a great summer and despite the weather not being fantastic the waterproofs have only had two or three airings! Please contact me if you would like to get involved or have young people who might benefit from fishing with us. Visit the Bolton project page for contact details.

Bridget Dawson, GHOF Bolton