Angling Coaching with Robbo at Risby Park

I’ve been totally hooked on fishing since the tender age of 4. I can still recall my first ever outing with two of my uncles a week before my fifth birthday. For the record, the uncles in question were Andy & Ian Jarratt, both policemen, and both lovely, patient men.

I was given a 9-foot solid fiberglass rod and a Mitchel reel. In those halcyon days, the venue was called “Fish Trades”, it is now known as Woodalls Pond in Newport and is situated on the East Side of the canal.

I was given basic information on what we were supposed to do and was basically left to my own devices (albeit under the very watchful eyes of my uncles!).

Amazingly, and to cut a long story short, I somehow managed to catch 9 roach and absolutely loved every single second of my time there. I was simply buzzing for days and remember nagging to go again and again!!

It wasn’t until I was about 9 years old that I began match fishing. As I had shown a bit of early prowess, I was lucky enough to be invited to join another uncle, Steve Jarratt, on one of his works matches on Market Weighton Canal at Broomfleet.

I can still remember pulling my keepnet out at the end of the match and putting 9lbs 6oz on the scales. My net consisted of a few skimmers, eels, ruffe and a flattie.

To my amazement, (& everyone else’s), I actually won!!

That was it.. the real Journey began….

 Since then a lot of water has flowed under the proverbial bridge. I’ve been fortunate enough to win many matches, a few festivals, the odd winter/spring league etc, etc…  but, to this day, the one thing I truly remember the most is the first ever time I went fishing. 

I was appointed the Yorkshire Civil Service Organiser approx 35 years ago and still perform this duty. I also became the National Civil Service Coarse Angling Organiser 6 years ago, and regular take part in the National Inter-Services competitions. 

I became an Angling coach over 25 years ago and have genuinely never had a coaching session that I haven’t enjoyed.

The thrill of seeing the joy on the face of the “trainee” is very special, as is seeing them get the “lightbulb moment”, when something I’ve explained is truly understood.

I am proud to say that the feedback I’ve received from my coaching sessions has been fantastic.

I genuinely believe that angling is a great sport in its own right, but no matter what level of angler you are (or aspire to be), it is simply the best way to relieve stress.

Angling is one of those rare sports that is available to absolutely anyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.

I have been lucky enough to coach kids as young as 5 right through to retired gents and ladies, who have either rekindled their love for fishing or have just got spare time on their hands and fancied trying it…

Basically, ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Robbo 07834 275278

“A brilliant day Robbo. We are all still buzzing. Sincere thanks for sharing 1 percent of your knowledge. The journey begins!” Sent by Pete Crowther, grandad of Freddie & Finlay, (from Jersey), Dec’25 

“George had a brilliant time tonight. Thank you. He caught another one after you left. I’m sure he’ll be in touch for another lesson. He wants to go fishing there on Sat. 🙄.😂” Sent by George’s mum, Susie in Sept’25.