Testimonials

"Many thanks for a great day yesterday - we both learnt a great deal and it fuelled our enthusiasm for more! Excellent value and would certainly recommend you to anyone wanting to start fishing".

William Ashworth.

"I recently attended one of Andy's superb start fishing courses with my two young sons. Andy's sheer enthusiasm for the sport immediately caught the attention of my boys and they were well and truly hooked from the word go. After the initial set up, we were catching fish in minutes and with his years of experience and top tips, we were thoroughly enjoying the experience. Andy has a very calm disposition and has an excellent way with children, providing instructions in an easy to understand and effective way. I would recommend anyone wishing to take part in the sport to give Andy a call first and foremost for impartial and expert advice. My lads have talked about nothing else since and can't wait to get out fishing again".

Duncan Kyle

"Andy provided a fantastic introduction to fishing for all three of my kids. With patience and a great attitude towards the children he has given them a good foundation to expand their knowledge and enjoy the sport. He never tired of demonstrating things over and over again and answering all their questions - and mine! He enthused all of us with his love of fishing and we have gone on to spend many happy hours this summer trying out different fishing venues and building on the skills learned. The kids can't wait for the winter to be over to get back to 'bagging fish'. Thanks Andy."

Mark Redding

 

The carp fishing lesson that Andy gave me was excellent! First he told me about being safe near the water and how to use hand wash at the end of your fishing trip for basic hygiene. He taught me a lot about carp in general, such as how they feed and move. He also taught me how to set up a good carp rig, how to tie a palomar knot and a good hair rig using a knotless knot. I learnt how to use PVA mesh and bags, how to present a bait and what bait to use for the time of year. During the session I caught one carp and also lost a really big one when the hook pulled! Overall Andy is a great fishing tutor and I enjoyed myself.

Aydan

Andy has worked with us at Bolton School coaching our pupils with their angling skills. We like to offer a broad range of activities and a few hours at the waters edge gives our pupils an excellent understanding of a new hobby and the local environment. Andy's knowledge, experience and enthusiasm are a great help to us and the students are always eager to get back on the bank.

Paul Fernside Head of PE Bolton School

After a few failed solo attempts at carp fishing, I thought I had better get some help and I did so with Andy at Improve Your Fishing. Andy gave me a fantastic day long taster session which gave me a whole new outlook on how to fish and the ettiquette involved. After an  introduction on how to set the equipment up on the bank, we began fishing, during the day Andy gave me a wide ranging education on basic rigs, fish safety and casting. Andy is easy to get along with and I listened to his theories on how fish feed and which baits to use with interest. Having never caught a big carp before I was delighted when, after a long fight I landed a 14lb mirror carp. Andy's a top bloke and I couldn't reconmend him more, I have already booked my next lesson.

Luke Butterworth

I had been invited for a day out fishing with some mates and seeing as I'd not had much luck as a kid (catching about 12 fish in as many years) I thought "why not?" We set out to Bradshaw Hall Fisheries at breakfast time and in 45 minutes I was sat with a full set up and catching Rudd, Roach, Chub and Bream in no time. Then, with coaching from Andy, I managed to land "Jaws", a 12lb Mirror Carp, after 20 minutes of playing the monster. By far my biggest catch ever. It was a day I will not forget and I look forward to another chance to hook a "big un". Thanks to Andy for his fantastic coaching. I look forward to seeing him and "Jaws" again soon.  

Andy Lee The Salvation Army

I booked to go with Andy for a days Carp tuition after seeing his website. Andy suggested going to Bradshaw Hall, lake 2. We started at 7am with a look at and description of tackle. We got the first rod out and Andy showed me how to tie a rig. He's a good teacher taking lots of time showing me and answering all my questions. We then put out the next rod with my rig on it. Not long after, bingo, the alarm ripped off and I was into my first fish of the day. Andy explained how to use the clutch to play the fish. We landed the fish of around 8lbs and Andy showed me how unhook, weigh and photo the fish safely. We went through alot more question and answers and quite a lot of coffee (very good host). We tied a couple more rigs before the alarm went off again, this time we had a Mirror Carp of around 10lbs which put up a really good fight. What was a long day went really fast, we tied lots of different rigs, caught another smaller Mirror Carp around 5lbs. Andy is a great teacher and he is good company and as I said the day was over too soon. I have come away with the confidence to tie my own rigs and set up the rods and alarms and lots more. I landed the biggest fish I have ever caught and I can't recommend Andy enough, a really good all round experience.

Chris Webb

 

I would highly recommend Andy to anyone looking for an excellent fishing coach. My son and I had a great day! We learned several techniques from a patient and very knowledgable angler, which led us to catching loads of fish. Beginners luck, I think not, I'm sure he trains them to jump on your hook! We'll definately be back for more.

Glen and James

Thanks for a great day, I learnt new techniques and got many tips for the future as well as catching loads of fish, especially the three big carp. Time well spent!

Richard Spalding

On behalf of The Salvation Army, St Helens, I would like to offer you a sincere thank-you for the time and care you have put into creating an enjoyable day out for our clients (as well as staff) on three occasions over the summer. Your coaching has inspired several new amateur anglers amongst us. We have applied for rod licenses and permits for the local waters for our clients and some of them have bought their own tackle and spend much of their time on the canals.

All of us would like to express our gratitude, in particular Paul, Chris and Darren who didn't take off their medals all day, and wish you the best of luck. Hopefully, as the summer weather returns, we might be in contact again and have another great summer under your tuition.

Criss Fletcher The Salvation Army St. Helens Animateur

 

Thank you for a fantastic day. Your easy manner and enthusiasm hit the right spot with both me and Michael. You were able to explain to us both, the basic methods we needed to know and then showed that those methods work, with us both catching. More importantly you went the exra mile and stayed longer than you should, working hard to get Michael his first Carp. True to form you got him two Carp which really was the icing on the cake! Michael has not stopped talking about you and the day. We will now be practising the methods and I have no doubt that we will be having another lesson at some stage.

John Connor

Thanks for yesterday we both really enjoyed it. Sam was buzzing last night, what a fantasatic day. We came expecting to learn the Pike fishing basics and left with Sam catching a monster. We'll see you again in the summer for those monster Carp.

David Longworth

Thanks for a fantastic days Pike fishing. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt an enormous amount.

Alexis Edwards

hi Andy my dad and i had a great day with you yesterday. We really learned a lot and both caught our biggest ever fish!! Picture looks great too.

Alex Matthews

It must be so satisfying to get youngsters into the sport. In my experience at least 70% stay with it for a good while, if not for ever. They are almost invariably good kids too. What they'd have been like without fishing is a matter for conjecture. Well done!

Keith Arthur Sky Sports Tight Lines and Talk Sport Fisherman's Blues presenter

A big thank you for yesterdays Pike fishing lesson. I was impressed with the experience, perseverence and the way you explained the tactics and tackle, also your hosting skills with the stove and kettle, and to top the day of we landed a fish, my first of many i hope. When i get another day sorted off work i will contact you and sort out another days Piking.

Paul Kaye

Just a short note to thank you for making Joe's "refresher day" (3rd Oct) so enjoyable. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and has well and truly been bitten by the "bug" and I suspect he would like to make me a fishing widow! He particularly enjoyed the venue - a really well stocked pond, which led to him catching loads of fish- at least aht's what he told me!!

Annette Massey

Hi Andy, again another informative day which resulted in the fish Michael wished for! I must admit I was starting to think it was not going to be our day but I should have had more faith!! No complaints. We knew it was going to be a long day and that there was a liklihood it could be a slow one but you remained positive throughout and entertained us with your experiences and humour! Mike was impressed with the trace session and wants to make his own now. I certainly have a better understanding of what is required for pike fishing and the tactics we can employ. The hot drinks were a bonus and helped to keep me going. What comes through most with you, is the fact that you care about the experience we receive from your session, which is why we come back. So thanks again and hopefully see you soon. Thanks, John and Michael.

John and Michael Connor