Established in 1967 GAIA now has nearly 400 members holding various qualifications in Single handed, Double handed and Fly dressing.

GAIC is the first level - The Game Angling Instructors' Certificate

APGAI - is the highest level - The Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor.

These are awarded in all 3 disciplines.

For your own peace of mind you should always check the credentials of any Fly fishing Instructor to make sure that they are suitably qualified to help you achieve your objectives.

Check out anyone who only has Level 2 CCA or UKCC as this qualification does NOT have any in depth, technical element. It is simply a generic coaching certificate which is basically the same for all sports - football, tennis, athletics etc. If someone has Level 2 AND is a full member of GAIA then they have undertaken and passed GAIA's assessment on specific Game Angling skills and knowledge.

Check that they have suitable insurance, First Aid certificate, CRB checked.

In my opinion a full-time Instructor will offer you the greatest opportunity to learn and improve - They do it for a living not a hobby and will offer you a 1to1 lesson on any day of the week and not simply be part of a group.

Any Instructor should keep up to date with techniques and skills to ensure that they offer the very highest standards of tuition.

Would you go to a doctor who qualified years ago and has not done any sort of training since??

GAIA Instructors who have taken part in any of the regular training workshops that are available will have a CPPD (continuous, personal, professional development) certificate to prove that they are constantly upgrading their skills and knowledge

GAIA conduct all the casting clinics at most of the Major shows around the country.

GAIA are ever present at the following shows each year

The CLA - this year was at Ragely Hall but will be at Blenheim Palace in July 2011 from the 22nd to 24th- click here for their website

The Spring Fly Fair at Newark - 0n 25th & 26th February - see here for more details

THe British Fly Fair at Trentham Gardens on the 18th & 19th June.- Click here for details

The Midland Game Show at Weston Park on September 17th & 18th - click here for details

If you want any further information about GAIA, then look at the website here

If you are interested in becoming a GAIA Instructor the you can email me for more info or contact us via the GAIA website