Ian Colclough reports: “The dust has now settled on this season’s Loch-Style qualification process. For the National, Chew fished well, challenging at times for some, but with a rod average of over 4.4 fish, it was a fair competition for all. Congratulation to National Champion, Tim Joyce and to the other 27 qualifiers who will make up next year’s two England Teams.
The qualification process saw an increase in unique entries by 12.5%, up to 179. This, I think is encouraging. There appears to be an acceptance that a two-day final is preferred. With this in mind, the venues and Final have already been booked ready for next year. See the Match Calendar for dates (visit the te-ff website for a link – right side of the main screen).
A huge thank you should go to all those volunteers that help out at the fisheries, along with the fishery staff themselves. Without these people these events would not happen. So a shout out to Peter Hartley, John Horsey, Jeff Pearce, Warren Langridge, Tony Meadows and John Pearn / Alastair Garner for their inputs.
A special thanks to Luke Cox at Bristol Water for staging the Final and providing, not only exceptional fish and fishing, but also a hearty meal afterwards.
Thanks also to Chris Bobby and Leanne for the weigh-in which, I am told, was one of the quickest known!
Thanks to Keith Wallace and Trevor for all their hard work in promoting TEFF and providing some sponsorship. It is very much appreciated and a thankless job. A Youtube video of the final is now available.
Finally thanks to Paul Angell for his never ending work in helping run TEFF and managing the teams.
From my perspective, I have indicated to AT that I will be standing down as a Team Manager so I expect them to be seeking a replacement in the near future. If anyone is interested in the role then please make Paul aware.
For now, health permitting, I intend to carry on administering the qualifying process so will hopefully see some of you again in 2027.
Thank you for all your support and commitment. Please encourage your fly fishing friends to enter the heats next year. I firmly believe that more can be learned in a year’s competitive fishing than several years on your own. Give it a try next year – there is nothing better in your chosen sport than to represent your country. Just ask those anglers that have already done so.”