Coaches travelled from as far afield as Leicestershire, Hertfordshire and Kent to Suffolk’s Needham Lake recently for a junior lure fishing day.

The event was the brainchild of Pike Anglers’ Club liaison officer, Jason Skilton, Gipping Valley AC and Suffolk County AAA coach, Mark Brewster and Ron Dalton of the Lure Anglers’ Society.

Over three months planning and preparation saw more than 20 youngsters attend. With coarse angling offering such a wide range of disciplines and techniques, the lure fishing day showcased a particularly active and colourful side of the sport.

England lure squad members and father and son, Gary and Sam Edmonds were also were part of the large team on hand to demonstrate not only their prowess with a rod and reel, but also how to handle, safely unhook and return the day’s catches.

Whilst fishing was difficult in the bright conditions, modest sized specimens were banked and the coaches were able emphasize and reiterate the conservation aspect of pike and predator fishing.

GVAC Junior Academy members, Aston Lander and Max Rushbrook took home the main prizes and everyone left with a goody bag filled with pike and lure fishing magazines and DVDs.

Afterwards, Jason and Mark thanked everyone that attended, the event’s sponsors, including Markhams Tackle and Gladwell’s Country Store, along with GVAC and Mid Suffolk District Council for use of Needham Lake.