It was a bit surreal when I was told I had passed the final casting assessment, I must admit to being more than a little apprehensive before the assessment. With a senior SGAIC assessor and an external AAPGAI Master from England carrying out the assessment I was just pleased that the day I had been dreading had actually arrived.
I have put in more hours on my casting than I thought it was possible to actually do, it has taken over my life for the past six months. Being completely honest any congratulations should be directed to Ben who has been my casting coach for the past six months. I am sure it has at times been frustrating for him but I can honestly say that it has been a very enjoyable six months. Several of the casts were quite difficult to learn and required many many hours on the river over the winter. It is a great feeling to have passed and an even greater feeling to see a trout rise on the river and know that you are able to cover it irrespective of any obstructions.
The advice I received from Ben on the rod choice was spot on and the SLX line made performing a few of the casts a little easier than with some other profiles.
Thanks for all of your advice and coaching Ben, very much appreciated, it is easy to see why there are so few AAPGAI Master casters in Scotland, the standard is very high and so is the ability to spot a fault and correct it immediately. To have one on your doorstep to give you lessons has been a great help in improving my casting.
Mike, the SLX is a cracking line, I have loved using it for the assessment and look forward to fishing with it.
Thanks for the kind words guys, now it's time to let it sink in and carch a few fish.
Seatrout in the sea and trips to the river over the next month or two.
Kev.
