Team UKMA Profile

Andy Loble

After many years of being told to keep his work life and hobbies separate I decided to go against the grain and I am now working around my hobby and first love – fishing.  To say I am happy would be a huge understatement. Having completed a Foundation Degree in Fishery Management and Fish Science at Sparsholt Agricultural College, I went on to be part of the event management team for the World Carp Classic. I have worked on the River Thames doing river restoration and conservation work, and yes my office was a boat! It gave me the perfect opportunity to eye up some amazing locations to eventually give a dangle. Having spoken to members of the Thames Angling Conservancy group and the very knowledgeable EA Lock Staff, I am hoping to sneak some fish out soon.

I completed my Level 2 Angling Coaching Qualification earlier this year and was given a fabulous opportunity to put something back into our fabulous sport.  This opportunity has initially been working with 'For Life Experiences' based in Romsey, Hampshire. I was assisting with the running of the FLE Fishery at Greenridge Farm, as well as coaching and dealing with some of the marketing, which has turned out to be a very rewarding job for a fantastic organisation www.forlifeexp.com. As a total bonus, I’m now working for the Environment Agency on the Fisheries Team based in Romsey and loving every minute of it, things could not be better.

I had a fantastic start to 2011 with 3 personal best fish banked including a 16.12lb barbel, 2.1lb roach (river) and a 2.7lb rudd.  Sadly during the summer months I was a little preoccupied with other activities but the late autumn and winter seems to be looking good.  I have already bagged a matching PB Grayling of 2.6lb and the barbel and Perch have started to make an appearance on the bank. Another highlight for this year was receiving my first weekly Drennan Cup in the Angling Times for the capture of my PB Roach along with the rest of the catch which included numerous upper 1lb Roach. Hopefully over the future will be generous and I’m looking forward to putting in some quality hours to hopefully catch some very memorable fish.

“I wish you all the best for the remainder of 2011 and even more luck for 2012 let’s hope it is a memorable one.”