Game Angling In Scotland

So why choose a qualified instructor?

I would advise a newcomer to 'Game Angling' to seek out 'professional' advice. It is common for a beginner to spend many hundreds of pounds on fishing equipment yet not be able to get past go as they have no understanding on how to assemble and use it. Many hours of wasted and frustrated time and also many pounds sterling can be saved by take professional advice in the first instance. As recently as this weekend a pupil confessed to having eight rods and never having a lesson and not having any knowledge on how to deal with windy conditions whilst casting. How his casting could have been improved with fewer rods and a few hours with a registered instructor.
By choosing an Instructor with a recognised qualification the participant can at least be confident that the quality of instruction will be of a certified standard.

What does qualification involve?

My advice is that you search out an instructor who is a member of GAIA (Game Angling Instructors Association) the largest professional coaching body for game angling in the United Kingdom. To be a member of GAIA you must have passed a technical exam showing that you are able to cast and instruct the use of a fly rod and have the ability to analyse and rectify faults. GAIA recognises a number of these technical exams and they could be any of the following;

APGAI (Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors) probably the oldest and most respected and you can hold an APGAI Salmon, Trout or Fly Dressing.

GAIC (Game Angling Instructors Certificate), SGAIC (Scottish Game Angling Instructors Certificate), you can hold any of these for Salmon, Trout or Fly Dressing. Another that might be encountered would be STANIC (Salmon and Trout Anglers National Instructors Certificate)

Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching Certificates are comparatively recent and are aimed at developing your coaching skills. With this certificate alone you cannot join GAIA you also need a technical qualification as above so if you encounter these coaches always ask if they a members of GAIA.

A Code of Conduct

Members of the Game Angling Instructors' Association are obliged to adhere to a Code of Conduct, which regulates matters relating to client safety and business practices.

Insurance

UK resident members of the Game Angling Instructors Association are automatically covered by the Association’s group insurance policy prividing professional indemnity and third party liability to a limit of £5,000,000. My advice is to always ensure that your instructor has insurance cover.