After the relative successes of the previous Aberdeen Casting Days (Number 1, Number 2) we decided to do it again! After studying the tide times and consulting with Paul (ask wingbacker) as to when he was free and available, another date was organised and the session publicised through the WSF Scottish forum.

The days before the meet everything was looking good; warm weather (well as good as you can expect for the time of year in Aberdeen!) with little or no wind to speak off. On the morning of the meet, while driving through torrential rain on my way to Aberdeen, I found myself cursing the BBC for getting the forecast wrong (again), especially as there had been mention of a beach barbeque. Thankfully, the weather eventually turned, becoming dry with a light 5mph wind from the south, but not as warm as the preceding days. In a manly attempt to force the warmer weather to return, I duly donned the shorts!

Prior to the event there had been a fair amount of interest shown, with around 15 people stating that they were going to attend. Going from the previous sessions I knew this would be a lot of people for Paul to coach and would make for a busy day, with people having little opportunity for one to one coaching. To a degree I was disappointed but pleased for those that turned up that only eight anglers showed. This gave Paul far more opportunity to pass on his experience and instruction on a more one to one basis.

As with previous meets, the instruction from Paul was excellent; the manner in which it was given and simply explained, was for all to see. There were a few crack offs during the day, with leads flying off towards Norway at a great rate of knots (I had 3 myself) and there were a few birdnests. Ian Mill, a WSF Moderator on the Scottish forum, became master birdsnester with back to back birdies for 3 casts! He was later seen sneakily putting a brake block back into his Abu 6500!!

After 5 hours of casting and learning, we called it a day. Everybody who attended was happy with the improvements they made and the results they were seeing. One member saw a 40 yard plus improvement on his casting distance. A clear indication of the help Paul can people wishing to improve their casting in a relatively short space of time. We even had an 11 year old girl casting a 1 ounce weight 54 yards, which is about the same distance as her Dad was casting prior to the meet.

There were a fine selection of rods on display (Century TTR, Kompressor SS, Kompressor S, CME, Tip Tornado Sport, MTI 300, MTI 250, MTI Bass, Greys Nitra to name but a few) and people were more than happy for other anglers to have a go with each other’s rods, which is always interesting and fun.

We followed the session with an impromptu beach barbeque which Paul had brought with him, the burgers hitting the spot, filling the growing hole in my empty stomach.

Thanks to everyone that turned up, I hope you enjoyed it and took something away from the day. Thanks to Paul for the barbeque and for the patience and instruction.

As opposed to editing people’s thought’s on the day they are re-produced below:

GUSMCG
Just back from a fantastic day at the beach in Aberdeen. No fishing just casting. What can I say. Paul is an excellent instructor. He took my casting explained what to do, made it real easy and bingo an extra 40yards. To anyone who has never been to one you’ve got to go or get one organised.

My daughter on her zebco special with cheapo Lidl reel, 1oz weight 54yards, not bad for an 11 year old. (Had to put on a shock leader for her when she started to crack them off). Thanks Paul.

Bigads had a go with her set up and casted it nearly as far as his own. I left early just as the BBQ got started. A lot of fun and looking forward to the next one. Wooky and bigads have pics of the day, might even see a bend on my rod...maybe

MILLSER
Had a great time even with all the birdies I was getting (I really should watch the lead). Top marks to Paul for explaining things and making it so much easier and less painful to cast, going to get some practice in before the next one.

MARKM
Thanks a lot Paul, a very enjoyable day. I've only had the Crest a couple of months and it was great to put a real bend in it for the first time. I hit distances I didn't think possible, all down to your instruction. Also was good to meet up with a few new faces. All in all a brilliant day. Thanks again Paul. Great burgers btw.

BLUETOONBOY
Had a great time with you guys and learned a lot from Paul. I would say it has added a good few yards to my casting and I am not forcing it as much as I was. Definitely hope to get to the next one so I can learn more and improve even further. It is good of Paul to do this for us and not ask anything for his time.

PAUL
Hi Guys,
Back home safe and sound we had the best of the weather it was heavy, heavy rain from Dunblaine till home so cheers Wooky you did us proud with the weather mate. Well thanks to all for coming down I had it easy, all I do is talk, you guys do all the hard work, you all came on leaps and bounds, it makes it a pleasure for me with such good students. I always look forward to coming up to Aberdeen, your welcome is always warm. I'll bring more burgers next time.

So…

Can you cast further than an 11 year old? Or would you like some help so you can?

If you fancy having a go for yourself, we don’t bite, don’t be embarrassed, come along to the next one…You never know that extra few yards might help you get a few more fish. There will be another Aberdeen Casting Day later in the year. The date is yet to be confirmed but as and when a date is sorted a sticky will be put up on the Scottish forum.