Understandably, teams go their different ways from time to time

Firstly, two of last year’s team members are just not interested in fishing with the rest of us. Understandably, teams go their different ways from time to time. This is obviously Bristol’s time to “split”. Of those of us left at least two are simply not prepared to devote the time to go down to Wimbleball to practice – never mind fish a competition on a lake that even the water company that control it consider to be a “downgraded” one!That leaves the two members who wish to fish – me being one, in a very awkward position. It is very difficult to raise four new members to fish in a team, so it has been decided to give the competition a miss. Apparently, there are no longer the great cash and fleece prizes that “B &H” used to give out at all of the rounds. I heard one top angler say that “The prize for qualifying for the next round was a bill to fish at the next venue.” I cannot say for certain that that is the case, but if it is then it is a sad reflection of the GREAT competition that was the forebear of modern club competitions.The Peregrine/Nomad competition will be going ahead as last year, with hopefully more teams than last year. Fortunately, I have been asked to help run it again by John Horsey, so that means that I cannot fish in it. I did actually fish in the Chew heat last year, but had my team won through to the next round, I would have had to withdraw. So, I will not be fishing in that competition either.That leaves the new “Airflo” competition. I have heard favourable mutterings from the local anglers. A couple of “top” men that I have spoken to have suggested that it is about time that a competition is run without profit going to the organisers being the primary concern! That is obviously quite a considerably controversial statement, and one that set me thinking long and hard. I have helped John Horsey in his work for the Peregrine last year, and can fully appreciate the time, effort, and miles put in to ensure that the event runs smoothly. I can honestly say that I have never considered looking into the money in the background of the event. However, being put in “the firing line” by these anglers, I must say that I will look a little closer at the finances this time round!

I don’t really see much chance in being able to fish even the “Airflo” competition myself. However, I have entered all of the club competitions and come what may, I will fish them this year. I will also be fishing the eliminators on Chew Valley. Also, I have some involvement in The World Championships, so all in all I am really looking forward to the start of the new season.