Local lad wins AT Disabled National. Various circumstances saw just 19 anglers compete for the title of the Angling Trust National Champion at the scenic Blake Hall Fishery near Cheadle in Staffordshire. The pool, whilst not renowned for really big weights, has developed a fair reputation for delivering close matches where 50-60lb of fish can turn up almost anywhere. However, poor weather leading up to Saturday's match meant that the fishing was extremely hard.
Local expert predicts difficult Winter League Final. "I have looked through the tide tables for the year, and from what I can see, the Angling Trust has chosen the most difficult tide of the year for this year's Winter League Final. "These were the stark words of River Trent match organiser, and Dynamite and Shimano-backed ace, Alan Henry in the run-up to this year's Winter League Final on the Tidal River Trent. The match is taking place on the North and South Clifton, Laughterton and Besthorpe stretches of the river next Saturday, July 6th.
The Perfect Reel?Joe Carass gives the Shimano Aero Spin reel the once-over… that’s right, a spinning reel for match fishing!You may recall I had the chance to use and review the Shimano Aero Match last year. It is a superb reel and fantastic for all-round match fishing – particularly float fishing. When I was asked to have a look at the Aero Spin I was excited but reluctant to change from the Match. However, two of the Spin models were already in the post and I couldn’t wait to see how they differed from the original.
Evesham cancellation sees qualifier spot come free. Due to a last-minute cancellation, a place is available in this weekend's Match Fishing Team Championship qualifier on the Warwickshire Avon at Evesham. Taking place this Sunday, June 30th, the match will see two teams qualify for the prestigious Match Fishing Team Championship that takes place on the Bank Holiday Monday of the August Bank Holiday weekend. This match is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the calendar, with 12 of the country's top teams invited – and a further two teams qualifying on Sunday's match.
MPs’ rocket to water companies over sex changing chemicals in rivers. The Angling Trust today has backed a hard-hitting report by a powerful group of MPs which urged water companies to remove gender-bending chemicals from waste water before they get into rivers. Angling Trust Chief Executive, Mark Lloyd said: “I am delighted that this all-party Select Committee backs what the Trust has been calling for over the past few years. “There is mounting evidence that these endocrine disruptor chemicals make fish change sex, can poison aquatic organisms and damage ecosystems.
Silver bream seal victory for Welsh International. Former Shakespeare Champion Andrew Murphy took the honours in the second Shakespeare Championship qualifying match of the year on the Warwickshire Avon at Evesham, with a 20lb 2oz net of silver bream from the newly created Peg 87. Andrew, or ‘Spud’ as he is affectionately known to many, caught his fish on the waggler – feeding sparsely with bronze maggots and fishing a single bronze maggot on the hook. He ended the match with around 25 silver bream, and a good perch to take victory with over 1lb to spare.
