Xbox to seat box: Q&A with Les Jones

We spoke to Fishing for Schools coach Les Jones,  whose journey began early - making an appearance in the Angling Times at just six! Today, he’s sharing that passion with young people, helping them swap screens for the waterside, learn new skills, and appreciate the countryside.

What do you do now - apart from Fishing for Schools, of course - and what should we also know about you?

I am a retired typesetter, I have been in the trade since starting my apprenticeship in July 1976. I took voluntary redundancy in October 2023; this meant I could concentrate more on coaching with F4S. I’m also a coach for Rochford Angling Club, which is a very well-run club close to home. Other hobbies include football (Chelsea FC) and match fishing.

When did you start fishing?
I started fishing when I was 6 years old (60 years ago), when my dad and uncle used to take me to the lower Thames and the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Here is a photo of me aged seven taken from the Angling Times in 1966.

What inspired you to start fishing?
My dad was a very good fisherman, he was my inspiration.

What made you want to become a coach?
When I was 14, I did a coaching course that was run by the London Anglers Association. I realised that there was more to coaching than, just being able to fish.

When did you become a coach?
I have been a qualified Angling Trust coach for over 15 years.

When did you join F4S and why?
I joined F4S about four years ago. I have known coaches David Evans and Warren White from other sessions that I had joined them on. They suggested that I should speak to Charles with a view to becoming a F4S coach. I liked the idea of taking young students from the classroom to the lakeside and giving them the chance to enjoy something that I have loved all my life. It pleases me to think I’m putting something back into it.

What has given you the most pleasure working with F4S?
This is an easy one. I enjoy taking young people who have never fished before on the Fishing for Schools journey. From session one, not wanting to touch maggots or fish, through to session four where they are confidently able to put any bait on a hook, to being able to identify different species and different methods to catch them, then confidently unhooking, photographing and returning them safely.
Also the excited shouts that can be heard across the lake of “I've got one” really make it all worthwhile.

What is the most difficult part of F4S?
As lead coach for the North Kent Team, the most difficult aspects for me are when we receive our quota of schools for the coming season. Arranging available dates with schools and trying to avoid term breaks, bank holidays and staff training days can be complex. Then, once the dates have been established, booking up the venues and arranging the coaches and their availability. This year we have six schools, with four sessions each, so that's 24 sessions to be organised. It can be complicated at times, but at the same time enjoyable.

What is your main aim for a F4S session?

To continue to provide schools with these opportunities, to give young people the chance to experience something that they may not otherwise get the chance to.

How do you personally measure a successful session?

Smiles and high fives all round.

Seeing how the young people interact with the coaches and their peers is always a good indication how well the sessions have gone; when they are able to ask questions, to give their own ideas and to communicate with each other it's very rewarding. Seeing their confidence grow over the four sessions is always a big indication of how successful the sessions have been.

What is your funniest moment with F4S?

The funniest and most embarrassing thing that happened to me was the day at Bewl Water when we were promoting Charles' fundraising run around the lake. We had a camera crew from BBC South News filming. I had a waggler rod set up, with the view to catching some of the coarse fish that the water holds. I had my back to the rod, which was baited and in the water, and was telling the students how important it was not to leave tackle unattended, because there is a chance that you might lose a rod if a big fish were to take the bait.

Suddenly one of the students shouted: 'Les, your rod is going in!' Lo and behold - at that precise moment a fairly big trout had grabbed the double maggot and started to tow the rod towards the deeper water. Without further ado, Charles, who was wearing full chest waders due to the fly fishing demonstrations, promptly walked out and retrieved the rod and the trout. The students thought it was great fun. Fortunately for me, the BBC didn’t show the footage when the story went on air.

Why do you believe in F4S?

Tackle boxes over Xboxes.

F4S gives the opportunity to children/students of all abilities and ages the chance to get out of the classroom and enjoy something that they may not normally get the chance to do, whilst also learning respect for the waterside environment and an opportunity to encounter and appreciate the countryside code.

What is the future for F4S, do you think?

Exciting times ahead for Fishing for Schools, with new plans to be revealed soon. The future is very bright. I’m sure that F4S will continue to grow and continue to provide an even better learning experience.

Why should people who are both anglers & non-anglers get behind F4S?

It is really apparent how much our young anglers enjoy their time with us. With the help and support of everyone the learning and enjoyment can continue for a long time yet.

Where do you see F4S in five years’ time?

With exciting new changes happening, F4S will continue to grow, with more schools, coaches and funders all working together to continue to provide this excellent adventure for young people.