Anglers and organisers reflect on last week's Winter League Final. Following last weekend’s Angling Trust Winter League Final – which saw a large proportion of the field blank – forums and social network sites have been awash with criticism of the event and its organiser, the Angling Trust. To establish what went wrong, Match Fishing has questioned several of the sport’s top rods to gauge their opinion of the event and, importantly, see what can be done to improve proceedings next year. To share your thoughts on the final, or offer advice on what you think could be done to improve it, click here to join our Facebook debate!Des Shipp, Preston Innovations consultant and member of Drennan Team England“The Angling Trust needs to tread very carefully or it will kill off the Winter League altogether.
The Fish ‘O’ Mania Final is almost upon us. Speculation is mounting in the build-up to this year's Fish ‘O’ Mania Final, which takes place on Saturday, July 13th. The Arena Pool at Stoke’s Cudmore Fisheries is to play host to the match, which sees 16 anglers do battle for one of angling's most coveted prizes and the £30,000 cheque that goes with it. Fishery coach and top match man Andy May knows the venue better than most and expects a good match between competitors.
Captain delighted with new deal. The Channel Islands have secured a sponsorship deal with tackle company Sensas. Captain, Greig Owen explained: "This will help us with our preparation for this year's World Championship, and for future world and European championships as well as any other events in the UK or France that we may attend. Finding the right tackle for the venues we use in these championships has always been a challenge for us living in a small group of islands.
Ted Carter ace in Match This Final. Ted Carter ace John Brogden has won the Maver Match This qualifier at Heronbrook Fishery. The venue regular drew well on Canal Peg 11 and opted to fish long pole over to the reeds for most of the match to top the talented field with a winning 130-03-00. One of the hottest days of the year so far greeted the 106 anglers for this latest Mega Match This qualifier.
Northeast rods in Winter League gloryBrowning Quaker have won the Angling Trust Winter League Final on the tidal River Trent. The team consisted of Martin Robson, Johnny Maddison, Peter Close, Andy Dargue, Andy Nelson, Neil Nicholson, Mala Dunlop, Louis Mackintosh, Scott Lister and Chris Gowling. A delighted team captain, Martin Robson, explained: "I don't think that it has quite sunk in to the lads yet just what they have managed to achieve. This really is the proudest moment in our team's history, and the nice thing is that its been a real team effort.
No tickets left for prestigious match. This year's Match Fishing and Pole Fishing Subscriber Classic, held at Barston Lakes and Packington Somers fisheries, has sold out in record time. Match Fishing editor Alex Bones commented: “It is great news that the event has sold out in record time, and a fitting tribute to just how popular it has become. The team and I always look forward to meeting and greeting our readers and, if last year's event is anything to go by, a good day will be had by all who attend.
Local rods take the spoils at Evesham. Shakespeare Championship QualifierEvesham Town & Ferry Waters67 fished1 Nick Cowling (Alcester Sports) 15-6-0 (Peg 61)2 Tom Scholey (Pole Fishing/Match Fishing) 11-14-0 (Peg 87)3 Brian Rigby (Shakespeare Superteam) 9-7-0 (Peg 2)4 Mike Tromans 8-13-0 (Peg 1) 5 Gary Seadon (W B Clarke) 8-9-0 (Peg 3)Qualifiers:Brian RigbyNick CowlingTom ScholeyClear skies and hot and humid conditions greeted anglers on Saturday’s Shakespeare qualifier, but this didn’t deter Evesham’s resident bream from feeding! Winner on the day was Alcester Sports rod Nick Cowling. Nick caught four bream on flat-float tactics, feeding chopped worms and casters, and fishing a small piece of worm on the hook. Nick fished 13 metres from the bank, and took all four of his fish in the second hour of the match – with the anglers either side of him also managing a bream each.
Retail giant hosts star-studded open day. One of England's biggest tackle dealers – Fosters Of Birmingham – is to host a special open day. Taking place on Saturday, July 27th, the day will see some of angling's biggest names on hand to answer questions. Nick Speed, Jan Porter and Iain Macmillan have already confirmed their attendance – and can be booked for prearranged tuition sessions on request.
Insurance company offers special deal to readers. Anglers First Insurance has increased its maximum sum insured to a whopping £10,000, and will cover any single item up to the value of £2,000. The premium for £10,000 is only £249 per year. Currently, Anglers First offers a 10 per cent discount to readers of our magazine, and anyone who takes out the insurance is automatically entered into a draw to win £750 of fishing tackle!Click here for more information, or call 0800 0355842 to arrange immediate cover.
Manager upbeat about team's chances. The Welsh international team has announced backing from top tackle brand Tri-Cast and Shropshire fishery Weston Pools. The
Senior Welsh Team, under new manager Andy Johnstone OBE, will compete in
the World Championship in Poland on September 14th and 15th on the
Zeranski Canal, near Warsaw. Andy said: "It is always
difficult to find a sponsor, so I was delighted to agree a deal with
Weston Pools and Tri-Cast.
