Anglers Skills Awards

The Anglers Skills Awards developed by the NCFFI Coach Development Team is a six-step pathway towards a lifelong passion in angling sport. The programme delivered by NCFFI Coaches over a number of sessions offers the opportunity for novices to progress to the level of their choice, with certification at each step.

Watch someone cast.
Participate both angling sessions.
Help net a fish.
Name 2 baits and mount them on a hook.
Assemble feeder rod and reel, whip or pole.
Loop to loop connect terminal tackle.
Identify health and safety issues.
Identify fishing areas.
Play and net a fish.
Unhook using a disgorger.
Hold safely and return fish to the water.
Learn the Leave No Trace Principles

Tackle selection for venue and target species.
Casting reasonably accurately with rod and reel to 20m.
Learn about different baits.
Learn to tie 3 knots from the following list.
Figure of 8 loop, 3 turn surgeon’s loop.
Improved clinch knot, loop to loop knot.
Uni knot and 3 turn water knot.
Understand weather and water conditions’ influence on angling.
Show angling success by capturing, safe handling and releasing of at least one fish.

To achieve the Level 2 Award anglers must have completed Level 1 and participate in all 3 sessions of Level 2

Target specific species using specific tactics and bait.
Select and prepare hook baits and ground baits.
Cast a float rig to 10m accurately.
Assemble waggler, feeder and whip rig.
Build on Level 2 to better understand fish habitat.
Demonstrate the use of three different angling techniques.
Demonstrate angling success with the capture and safe handling and release of at least one fish by each method.

To achieve the Level 3 Award anglers must have completed Levels 1 & 2 and participate in all 4 sessions of Level 3

Select tackle for different applications.
Review safety issues around tackle.
Identify the external features of a fish and how to protect them.
Understand the protocol around use of keepnets in relation to fish welfare.
Practice ethical angling and fish release.
Understand angler welfare: clothing and hygiene.
Use safety unhooking mats for photography and weighing.
Learn about migratory fish case study the eel.

Anglers must participate in all 4 sessions to achieve the Level 4 Award

Take care of tackle, store and dispose of bait and store nets.
Cast reasonably accurately with rod and reel to 20m within 1m of a target.
Safely use a catapult to loose feed a swim.
Identify fish and coarse fish families.
Freshwater biodiversity and food chains.
Ethical angling and its positive effects on the environment.
Learn about water safety, throw bags, personal floatation devices and safe wading.
Understand angling regulations.
Demonstrate angling success with the capture and release of 3 fish species.

Anglers must participate in all 4 sessions to achieve the Level 5 Award

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