Conditions were pretty rough, with the wind approaching gale force at times
Conditions were pretty rough, with the wind approaching gale force at times. However, the fish were willing to respond to a variety of methods, and the top anglers – who go on to represent England in the Loch Style Home Internationals in next year’s two events, needed to catch 5 or more trout. The lads from the North East of England had put a great deal of preparation into this event and their hard work certainly paid dividends. The North East provides more anglers than any other region for the two teams next year and amazingly, first, second, fourth and fifth places went to anglers from that region.In first place was Nigel Collis who caught nine trout weighing in at 25lbs 10oz – a most respectable average size! Second place went to young Simon Robinson, who was the only angler in the event to catch a ten fish limit, but even with his three pounds time bonus, could only muster 23lbs 3oz. Third place went to my pal John Horsey – one of only two anglers from this region to go through to represent England next year. This is a far cry form days gone by when the South West provided more than its fair share of the England team. Fourth and fifth were Stevie Peart and David Hodgson, whilst Marine Nigel Evans qualified in sixth place. All of the above anglers fished dry flies to catch their fish, but other qualifiers opted for lures cast across moving fish – a method that was very much THE method of the Peregrine/Nomad final last month. In the event just mentioned, Ian Foreman came out top angler by a large margin. I am pleased to say that his successful run continued to the National, as he finished in 20th position and therefore last qualifying place! Set out below is the full list of the twenty anglers due to represent England next year – plus the two anglers who are the reserves. Angler No of fish Weight1. Nigel Collis 9 25lbs 10oz2. Simon Robinson 10 23lbs 3oz3. John Horsey 9 20lbs 4.5oz4. Stevie Peart 8 19lbs 2oz5. David Hodgson 7 18lbs 14oz6. Nigel Evans 7 17lbs 6oz7. Dave Mason 8 17lbs 2.5oz8. David Parker 7 16lbs 10.5oz9. Martin Introna 8 15lbs 3oz10. Robert Edmonds 6 14lbs 8oz11. Iain Barr 7 14lbs 7oz12. Mark Howard 7 14lbs 5oz13. Lee Henfry 7 14lbs 0.5oz14. Micky Dwyer 7 13lbs 6oz15. Martin Greatbatch 6 13lbs 5oz16. Tony Wright 5 13lbs 1.5oz17. Ron Gent 7 12lbs 15.5oz18. Vince Brooks 7 12lbs 14.5oz19. Neil Bailey 6 12lbs 12.5oz20. Ian Foreman 6 12lbs 10ozRESERVES:21. Tony Tullett 5 12lbs 8oz22. Adrian Necci 7 12lbs 7ozWell done to all of the qualifiers – and good luck in the internationals next year. I hope to get the results of the Hardy competition through by next week so that you can read it here first!Tight lines,
Martin Cottis