My apologies for the lack of activity on my blog, of late. I have been exploring other possibilities for my writing, following a sad tale in the February edition of Freshwater Informer - a free, monthly, angling/advertising magazine that is available in the SE tackle shops. The editorial of this latest edition told of the darker side of social media and the cyber bullying directed at a young angler who posted some images of the tackle he had received at Christmas.
It's hard enough to get kids involved with outdoor pastimes, without this type of nonsense, so I have offered to contribute (FOC) a few articles to attempt to dispel the myth that brand labels catch fish. I find myself in a very lucky situation, at present. Not only do I enjoy the company of my son, but now also have my grand-son tagging along. I am able to witness the joy of angling through new eyes as Bryn starts out on his own adventure. Just like the fish he catches, he has no concept of brand label snobbery or the big is best syndrome. A fish is a fish and he just enjoys catching them. If I am able to convey this sentiment to other young anglers, then "being judged by the tackle you use" won't be an issue? Of course there will always be numb-nuts who will find fault with anything which is contrary to their way of thinking but, hopefully, I can find the words to encourage kids to catch fish rather than worry about the tackle they use to do so.
Who am I?
- Dylan Wrathall
- An individual, of no great importance, who is unable to see the natural world as a place for competition. I catch fish, watch birds, derive immense pleasure from simply looking at butterflies, moths, bumble-bees, etc - without the need for rules! I am Dylan and this is my blog - if my opinions offend? Don't bother logging on again - simple!
Good on you Dylan. Will there be a link or a copy of the articles on here ?
ReplyDeleteDarren, I feel that I might be able to create a link to anything which gets published. I am becoming a little more competent with this computer lark, so the technology available to me should be able to do this. It's been a long time since I last wrote for the angling press and much has changed. I hope that my efforts will be worthy of the challenge that Barry Reed (the editor of Freshwater Informer) has set me.
DeleteTake care and tight lines - Dyl
Bloody well done Dyl. youth needs encouraging these days in all things to do with the countryside.
ReplyDeleteReading that editorial really irked me! Like you say, it's difficult enough to get kids enthused by the outdoors without this type of cyber bullying and brand label snobbery getting in the way. Having my grandson just starting out with his fishing I felt that I was in a position to write something which might assist other youngsters discover the enjoyment of being at the waterside, rather than worrying about what their gear cost. We're out in the morning, for a perch session, hopefully I will get enough material for the basis of that first article? - all the best - Dyl
DeleteGood for you Dylan. pat o the back M8. for the link "cut and paste" or "copy and paste" whatever's in vogue.
ReplyDeleteCheers Bob!
DeleteGood work there Dyl.
ReplyDeleteAs for the series of articles, is there a title which best describes your current angling compared with before?
With your strong opinions on the subject, maybe they should be headed, 'A Blast from The Past'. One for the sub-editors.