Thanks to Jamie Parr from Team Pallatrax for giving of his time to be interviewed here. We particularly love his answer to ‘What lessons would you pass on?’. Top Stuff.
Q: Most anglers would love to be able to call themselves ‘professional’. How did you manage it?
I would never call myself a professional angler. I’m just a passionate fisherman with a healthy obsession (My family may not agree with the healthy part!)
Q: How often do you fish and what do you fish for?
I try to fish every week or so around work. Being self employed can have its benefits with flexible hours. Being a qualified angling coach and with the warmer weather here I tend to spend more time coaching than my own personal fishing. I fish as many disciplines as possible from match, specimen through to fly methods.
Q: What do you think are the most pressing issues in angling today?
Predation has a massive affect not just on angling but the whole countryside. Predatory animals are here to stay so we need to re-think our approach. Control measures on these species simply isn’t enough or effective. We also need to get rid of the stigma that fishing is for the older generation or aimed at males. The encouragement of the younger generation and females is a must to grow our love of angling and to have a louder voice with the government decision makers.
Q: Give us some PB stats – what are you most proud of and why?
Common carp 35lb
Mirror carp 28lb
Sturgeon 34lb
Catfish 39lb
Tench 8lb
Pike 20lb
Roach/Bream hybrid 3.8lb
Perch 2.10lb
Eel 4.2lb
I’m mostly proud of my eel PB as a 4lb+ can be in excess of 40 years old.
Q: What are your earliest fishing memories? Who taught you?
I started angling when I turned 26 after retiring from football. I have mainly taught myself but we always learn and being surrounded by Paul Power and David Lidstone at Emperor Lakes, my knowledge is always increasing through their words of wisdom.
Q: How influential has Mr Crabtree been in your angling life?
Mr Crabtree brings back the innocence and simplicity of angling bringing out a passion for nature.
Q: Is there anything in fishing that you haven’t done? What are your ambitions?
I would love to catch a 15lb+ bream. They are such an under rated species. I haven’t had the chance to fish the river Wye yet so that is on my bucket list.
Q: Do you have any angling heroes? What do you most admire about them?
I look up to the anglers who appreciate their surroundings and can adapt to fish various methods to achieve their goal. Anglers in the spotlight like John Bailey and Martin Bowler who can turn their hand to any approach and show angling in a positive light gets my vote!
Q: What lessons would you pass on to today’s young anglers?
Respect nature and take care of our quarry. We are the guardians who hold their future in our hands.
Q: Describe your favourite ‘Crabtree moment’ you’ve had whilst fishing
The joy and gleaming smiles on the youngsters I coach when they catch their big fish! And they even get to call them their own name.
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