I ocassionally consider a career change and quite fancy something fish related, but don't know too much about the jobs available or the emplyment prospects.
I've potentially got a year or so in hand, so doing some study (albeit not full time) is an option, as is doing stuff without pay to get a foot in the door (for a short time at least).
I've seen a couple of fishery management courses around, including IIRC Spasholt, which could be one avenue.

Any suggestions / comments / inside information on fish related careers?

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You can only fish for so long before you have to throw a stick of dynamite in the river.

I think Sparsholt is the best, which will not only give you better training but better prospects when you finish. I would have thought this place would be more suitable though. Have you considered Barony?

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http://141207.blogspot.com/
http://www.haddonestate.co.uk/rivers/rivers.php
http://www.thepeacockatrowsley.com/fishing.html

The other thing is to get involved with the many fishing organisations like the Wild Trout Trust and Anfglers associations. Could be worth joining a good club and gerting on the committee.

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Carl

http://www.wandlepiscators.net/
http://teiseangling.co.uk/index.htm

TOMORROW THE TRENT COULD BE YOUR FISHERY! When are YOU going to JOIN THE ANGLING TRUST?

My opinion for what it's worth,Is It is very hard to continue to enjoy fishing as a pastime when you have to handle fish/anglers all day ,Every day.Some manage it,But I believe they are in the minority.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

wise words from jim - i spent 8 years in the past earning a full time living from angling, after lots of part time work which started when i was at school - spoiled my hobby - once it becomes a job your whole perspective changes- it was several years after i returned to 'normal' employment before i got my enthusiasm back for angling - some manage to balance it but its not easy - financial considerations can't fail to influence your opinions and actions.

good luck if you choose to try it.

I've been told there's a River keepers job up for grabs on the Lower Test next month. Fancy that Idris?
Agree with the above points about perhaps working all day with fishermen might not be quite as idylic as we all like to imagine.

Reg Wyatt

Everyone wants to do 'hobby' jobs, so high supply equals low wages. A lot of people in hobby jobs are financially independant or have retired so don't really need any money, depressing the wages still further ( that one's a killer! ). The ones who don't have a second source of income work bloody hard, especially in seasonal jobs! You can't earn enough in 6 months to last all year, if you try, you price yourself out of the market! So what do fly fishing people do in the winter to earn money, or ski instructors in the summer for example?? They have to take a second job to keep income coming in, sometimes just driving a van. It can be great, I loved it, but there are some harsh realities out there to deal with.

Also, you have to deal with the general public, and 99% of the general public are great, but when Mr 1% comes along.................

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http://www.flyfishinglessons.co.uk
http://www.aapgai.co.uk

Sparsholt would be my first choice, has a good reputation.

However I would ask them how many of last years students found the fishery work they wanted when they left.

Ifor

All good comments but it shouldn't spoil four enthusiasm. You will find out in time if you want to make a go of it.
I agree with Darren though. I have guided in a few countries and the majority of people I have helped are great. They appreciate the experience and some make it so regular that they almost become friends. But there a some nobheads out there who are just plane miserable.
The money is low and you don't do it because you want to become rich. Its for a lot of other reasons.
And you meet some fantastic people with quite a diverse background. I have been fortunate as I am sure other guides have) and fished with famous people.
So if you are young and want to try something in fishing, go for it, you may just like being a fishing bum.

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"A traditional wet fly addict"

Uk representative and Instructor for Fly Fishing Masters - www.flyfishingmasters.co.uk

Distributor for Terenzio Silk and Artificial Silk Fly Lines - Pay distributor retail price.