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Welcome to “Hooked on Learning,” our premier training programmes designed for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an experienced angler wanting to refine your skills, this programme offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to learning.

About the Programmes

“Hooked on Learning” is a modular coaching plan system that allows participants to learn at their own pace. With a focus on building confidence, developing essential fishing skills, and fostering a love for the sport, these programmes are perfect for anyone passionate about angling.

Key Features:

  • Modular Learning: Progress through each module at your own speed, ensuring a thorough understanding of each aspect of angling.
  • Skill Development: Learn and master essential fishing skills, including casting, knot-tying, bait selection, and fish handling.
  • Confidence Building: Gain confidence in your abilities through hands-on practice and supportive coaching.
  • Social Aspects: Participate in group activities, meet fellow anglers, and build lasting friendships.
  • Comprehensive Resources: Receive a free handbook to accompany the course structure and a AMHI log book to track your progress and angling achievements.
  • Keep What You Make: Enjoy the satisfaction of keeping the equipment and materials you work with during the course.

Available programmes and Courses

CAST AWARD
training Programme​

Course Structure

Our “Hooked on Learning” CAST Award programme is divided into six key modules to align with the Angling Trust’s CAST Award scheme, each focusing on different aspects of angling. Our strucutred training programme has been designed to cover all aspects of the CAST award requirements and more.  We have developed the training programmes to give you integral angling knowledge on areas such as Topology, Fish Care, Fish Anatomy, Watercraft and so much more.

Assembling a rod and reel or pole.
Identifying health and safety issues and hazards
Countryside code
Identifying potential areas to fish
Recognising bites
Playing and landing fish (using a net)
Unhooking fish (lip hooking, disgorger)

Holding and handling fish

Selecting correct line and understanding how to attach terminal tackle
Choosing the method of fishing
Matching the methods to species of fish, their habitat and the conditions
Choosing equipment suitable for the venue
Casting accurately to the given target
Demonstrating correct casting technique
Tying knots – three simple knots to relate to chosen method of fishing
Learning about bait
Understanding weather and water conditions suitable for good fishing
Targeting specific species of fish and using specific tactics
Selecting and preparing bait
Using suitable rigs for bait presentation
Tying own rigs
Looking at fish habitats in relation to seasons, spawning or tides
Learning about fish hiding areas
Demonstrating three different fishing techniques for chosen discipline
Understanding what to wear (Dressing appropriately for the weather and activity, being able to identify different types of footwear)
Understanding how to take photographs of fish without distressing them
Keeping fit to fish and preparing for angling (how can you get fitter in order to better enjoy fishing?)
River, lake and sea topography (How to plumb the depth of water or work out the topography by looking at natural features)
Migratory fish and life cycles (Sea Trout, Eels, Salmon, Mackeral)
Preventing pollution (effects of excessive baiting, discarded line etc, who to contact)
Being aware of injury prevention measures (What injuries can be caused by angling and how can we prevent them?)
Ensuring personal safety when fishing (life jackets and other buoyancy aids, waders, wading sticks, sunscreen, first aid, protective glasses, water)
Angling and the law (permits and EU licences, fish sizes and angling seasons)
On the bank or in the water (wading, float tubes, kayaks, boat fishing, water awarenss)
Watching the weather and understanding its effects on angling (how the weather affects planning, angling and enjoyment)
Understanding how to use gadgets
Understanding the effects of fish diseases and parasites (Fungus, bacterial infections)
Understanding invasive species (Chinese mitten crab, signal crayfish, top mouth gudgeon, killer shrimp, zebra mussel; how to prevent transfer)
Understanding the need to eat well (our nutritional requirements, what to eat and when)

Pricing and Availability:
We are excited to offer “Hooked on Learning” at an introductory price of £15 per person. Group and family discounts are available upon request. Spaces are limited for this year’s first round (2024), so be sure to secure your spot early. Next year, we will be running the programme all year round, offering even more opportunities to get involved.

How to Enrol:
Ready to dive into the world of angling? Enrol in our “Hooked on Learning” CAST Award training programme today!
* Step 1: Register your interest below
* Step 2: We will contact you with dates when the sessions will be held and where.
* Step 3: Complete the payment process via the payment link sent in your email
* Step 4: Receive your welcome pack, including your free handbook.


Join Us Today!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your angling skills and become part of a vibrant community of fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or just enjoy the social aspects of fishing, “Hooked on Learning” has something for everyone.
For more information or to enrol, contact us at enquiries@anglingmentalhealth.fish or visit our website at https://anglingmentalhealth.fish

Let’s make your angling dreams a reality with “Hooked on Learning”!

Angling Essentials
training Courses

Course Structure

“Hooked on Learning” Angling Essentials Training Courses, your gateway to mastering the art of coarse fishing. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to refine your skills, our courses provide a comprehensive introduction to advanced fishing techniques. Designed to complement our CAST Award training programmes, these courses offer entry-level training that equips you with the essential skillsets needed to succeed in various forms of coarse fishing.

Waggler float and stick float techniques
Selecting correct equipment, line and understanding how to attach the required terminal tackle
Matching the float fishing methods to species of fish, their habitat and the conditions
Learning more on different baits, baiting techniques and bait presentation
Tying knots – add to your knot knowledge
Reading water conditions and essential watercraft