I have been working with the current world champions, Australia

Throughout this past week teams from all over the world have been taking over the Chew Valley guesthouses, pubs and Bed & Breakfast spots. The lakes have been an amazing mixture of languages, but trout fishing – the common link, has been to the fore. The match itself starts on Wednesday this week, but Monday and Tuesday will be taken up with “official” practice. There are five competitors in each team, and each one has to fish one session of three hours on each of the five chosen venues. The draw for all of this will take place on Sunday, when, following a march by all of the teams through Bristol, they settle into The Swallow Hotel.Each competitor has to fish the following sessions: boat fishing at Blagdon, boat fishing at Chew, bank fishing at Chew, dry fly – upstream only on the lower Test, and then a session on the upper Test.Practising has been pretty intense and it can only get more so as the event nears it climax. I have been working with the current world champions, Australia. They all managed a fish or two on their first trip to Blagdon – I must say I was amazed how quickly they took advice and picked up the “feel” of the lake. We moved on to Chew and again everyone caught, but with it being so bright, it was somewhat tougher. Wednesday saw us trying out the river Kennet, which the team had been advised was similar to the Test!!! There are some vivid imaginations around – but we did have some fun with the huge roach and bream that we found. Thursday was spent tying flies and fishing the bank at Blagdon, whilst Friday brought a return to Chew.The Australians are a confident bunch but the local England and Wales teams will take some beating. The Welsh in particular have been confidently slaughtering the fish in their practice sessions. The English have been more reserved in their approach, but certainly catching plenty. The Scottish lads are having a good time, and the Irish are amazed by how many fish can be caught in a day’s fishing!

This time next week we will know the answers. I will have a full report by then. Look out for coverage on the television, there will be cameras following the event.