Even in an era when sports and hobbies are less defined by things such as social class and employment, there are definite patterns among different groups of people.
Just as you won’t find many brickies queuing up for the Royal Ballet, a librarian hurling profanities from the local football terrace would be an unusual find.
But is angling as predictable as other sports and hobbies? And, if so, what are the obvious connections to make? Moreover, what’s the best job of all to have if you’re an angler?
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER CHOICE FOR AN ANGLER?
Excluding actual jobs in the angling industry, what’s the ultimate job to fit your fishing around? Out of several obvious professions, those who work a sequence of long shifts and long breaks probably come first.
Those who are self-employed and work in the trades will also have the natural advantage of being able to pick hours outside the nine-to-five, not to mention a spacious work vehicle that doubles as a fishing wagon!
Of all the actual trades, however, one in particular seems conspicuous for its connection to success, and that is... roofer! Don’t snigger, these guys have it made.
Not only do they tend to do big chunks of work and then get several days off, but the very nature of the job means that they don’t work in wet, cloudy conditions, the very times when big fish bite! If you don’t believe us, just look at the number of Drennan Cup champions in the roofing game: Simon Daley (won in 2021 and 2022), Darran Stolworthy (2019) and the late Terry Lampard (1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009)!
CASE STUDY: ANGLERS AND THEIR TRADES
Jamie Sandford: Welder and all-round angler
“I work three 14-hour shifts and then have four days off. What a steal, I’m very lucky! I’m divorced with no children and so, other than seeing the girlfriend, family and friends, my time is my own. Fishing really is my passion and I find that by adopting multiple styles, it keeps the flame alive. I once fished intensely for carp, but these days I love stalking methods and do lots on lure and fly.
“My dad was also a shift worker, so I got used to his habits growing up. Whether it was coarse, game or sea fishing, he had it all worked out, whether he’d say “the tide is perfect for flounders tomorrow” or “let’s go piking on the canal”. I love a wide variety of fishing thanks to him.”
MATCHMAN
Not for those who like quiet escapism, match fishing tends to draw a certain breed of angler. Those who fish competitively often come from sociable work places where regular banter is par for the course. Of course, a spacious work vehicle such as the tradesman’s classic white van also helps with all that gear.
Those with workshop access also like doing things like adapting their kit, doing repairs and even making their own tackle.
If you enjoy a work sweepstake or perhaps even work in a bookmakers, it’s an even safer bet you’ll enjoy the local match scene!
TYPICAL TRADES: Builder, plasterer, plumber, bookmaker
SPECIMEN or CARP ANGLER
These days, carp and general long-stay angling attracts quite a wide crowd of people from different backgrounds. However, certain types of people do seem to fit the sport like a glove!
Current or ex-Forces members seem to love carp fishing for starters. After all, they’re sure to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle – and already have the camo wear!
The likes of shift workers and paramedics also fit the bill nicely, because they’re used to being up at strange hours and often have long stints at work followed by similarly long breaks.
TYPICAL TRADES: Armed Forces, roofer, shift worker, NHS staff
PLEASURE ANGLER or TRADITIONALIST
For a certain type of angler, the sport is less about catching stacks of fish or breaking PBs and more about the sheer joy of getting out there. These folks are pleasure anglers in the truest sense of the term. They’d sooner catch tench on the lift method than launch a helicopter rig 80 yards.
Natural escapists, many of them also have a keen eye for nostalgia, vintage tackle and general peace and quiet. This could be down to the stress of their day job as much as romanticism!
TYPICAL TRADES: Teacher, counsellor, writer, antique dealer
FLY FISHER
While you don’t have to be upper crust to enjoy a bit of game fishing these days, the sport still holds a certain cache.
Well-heeled professionals including lawyers, managers and architects love the seclusion of exclusive settings, so they tend to be drawn to the ranks of the game anglers.
Meanwhile, the likes of artists and others of a crafty disposition love to wile away the hours tying their own flies.
Those from a scientific background, however, relish the process of getting to grips with aspects of the sport such as fly hatches and river ecology.
TYPICAL TRADES: Solicitor, manager, artist, university lecturer
SEA ANGLER
Not thrilled at the prospect of fussy kit or fish you can’t even eat, sea anglers are a hardy breed, willing to take on the elements as well as the fish.
Those in the food and hospitality sector are often big fans of the salt water scene, whether it’s to kill time before the next shift or perhaps even catch some fresh ingredients!
Outdoor activity providers are also likely to love a taste of the salt on their lips, with expeditions such as a kayak trip or a hike across some of our stretches of rocky, breathtaking coastline appealing to their adventurous natures.
TYPICAL TRADES: Chef, hospitality staff, sports instructor
