Angling Trust Team England Fly Fishing

1. Scotland (63 fish) 127-14-0

2. England (42 fish) 79-8-8

3. Wales (32 fish) 61-11-8

4. Ireland (21 fish) 42-3-8 

Best Basket: Peter Auchterlonie (Scotland) 9 fish for 20-5-0

Heaviest Trout: Richard Hooper (Wales) 3-3-0

English best basket: Roger Truscott 8 fish for 16-1-0 

Irish best basket: Francis McSharry 6 fish for 13-8-8

Scottish best basket: Peter Auchterlonie 9 fish for 20-5-0

Welsh best basket: Jason Heath 4 fish for 9-2-8

Full Results: iffa2013spring

Some practice days had seen strong winds, which did not help the fishing, but conditions improved with a moderate SSE the day before the match, which saw most teams do rather better. On match day, however, the wind swung round to a chilly NNE. Scotland nevertheless sealed a convincing victory, taking the top three individual spots. Overcast conditions saw the wind drop to a good nymphing speed, encouraging some competitors to take off the DI3 they went out on, to switch to the floater or midge-tip. Birds were active as a few areas saw heavy hatches of green midge, with fish holing up in tight pockets near the bank. Hook Straight saw the most boats, but Ferry Point and Monty’s Seat was also popular. The following represented Team England FF:

Richard Slater (captain), John Ball, Robert Barden, Paul Canning, Andy Croucher, Steve Cullen, Harry Fox, John Hardy, John Horsey, Simon Kidd, Paul Lee, Denis Symonds, Roger Truscott & John Tyzack, with Clive Collier (manager). Our congratulations to Scotland, and our thanks to Bewl Water management for providing such a fair venue, and to the Mercury Tunbridge Wells hotel, Pembury, for their hospitality.

(Images courtesy of Cliff Waters of Fishypics. Our thanks also go to photographer Alan Ward, Fieldsports Britain YouTube channel, and Andy Ford from Sky TV’s Tightlines, who also covered the event. Catch the Fieldsports Britain coverage here – from 16.13 onwards. You can catch the Tightlines broadcast as a podcast here)

Following a number of recent issues which had been raised and considered by TEFFIC our Loch Style Manager Martin Introna has decided that for personal reasons and in the best interests of our Teams that the best option was to resign as Loch Style Manager.

I’m sure you will join me in thanking Martin for all his work to date and wish him all the best for the future.

Clive Collier

Chairman Team England Fly Fishing

Sunday 28th April

The Federation of Peninsular Flyfishers held their annual qualifier, sponsored by Snowbee UK, Plymouth, in the beautiful setting of Blagdon Lake, Somerset. This year’s event took place in near perfect conditions, with overcast conditions and fairly light winds, if a little cold. With the lightish winds most anglers went out with floating lines and imitative flies as the fish were feeding on buzzers. Dave Grove, who was determined to catch all his fish on dries, managed to get his limit but not until late in the afternoon. The top bag on the day went to Cornish angler Paul Jones, a former winner of this competition, with 8 fish for a total bag weight of 28lbs 14ozs, which included a rainbow of 4lbs 1oz. Paul caught his fish using sinking lines and pulling tactics, after finding that this was the better method in practice. He won the Snowbee perpetual trophy and tackle from Snowbee UK. The quality of fishing at Blagdon has to be experienced to be appreciated. The rod average for this event was an astounding 7.7 fish per angler, with an average weight of 2lbs 9ozs. The total catch included 8 over 4lbs and 28 over 3lbs, and all fit, fighting rainbow trout, and for this Bristol Water should be congratulated.

2013 Blagdon Report

Full Results: Blagdon 2013 Results Summary

The Team England FF Bank Team for 2013 will be (right):

Phil Dixon (Captain); Glen Appleby; Howard Croston; Rob Frame; Tim Gilchrist (Reserve); Gordon Swain; Andy Taylor; and Alan Jenkins (Manager).

They will represent Team England FF at the Bank International in October at Lochter fishery, Inveruie, Aberdeenshire. 

Here they are (below) at a recent team squad day at Seighford Lakes, along with Jim Tuck, Bank Organiser, and Clothing Sponsor John Grant from Grantz Clothing,  who supplied the team outfits.

Westlow Mere, in conjunction with Coppenhall and Congleton Flyfishers, are holding a Charity Fishing Match on Sunday 19th May, in aid of Cancer Research UK. As well as the John Pass Cancer Research Trophy, there is a very generous prize list, including fly fishing tackle from Scierra worth £250, free fly fishing at a range of top class venues, plus vouchers for tackle, furniture, meals and accommodation from local hotels. Lunch break and refreshments available. Entrance Fee £25

Full Details: Westlow Mere Charity Event 2013

Bob Church, Trout Fisherman, November 2012

Tony Pawson was a much-loved sportsman. He had played football and cricket at the highest level, but it is for his contribution to fly-fishing for trout he was best known. In 1984 I qualified for England to fish in Spain along with Tony, he was elected captain. Tony was the perfect gentleman but also had a very competitive streak. It was clear to me England had the right captain in Tony. We were to fish the River Tormes in Salamanca. Going to Spain a week before the competition day gave us time to practise, the river was running high from flood. Instead of the usual dry fly method, Tony and the team opted to use slow sink lines and traditional English fly patterns such as the Black & Peacock Spider. Casting to the centre of the river and allowing the current to swing the flies into your downstream bank and slow figure-of-eight retrieve. We stuck to Tony’s decision and it worked. Tony won the whole event. Tony was the new World Fly Fishing individual champion and we as his team were a close runner up as second. So it was gold for Tony and silver for the team. Tony was presented with the largest cup trophy I had ever seen. It even had its own seat on the plane coming home. In 1987 he was the main organiser along with David Swatland in hosting the World Fly-fishing Championships in England. Results, England won gold on Grafham, Rutland and the River Test. Individuals, first, second, third, fourth, and sixth, missing one place only for a clean sweep. The best ever organised Championships. Finally Tony took the same team to Tasmania in 1988 where the terrain on the central plateau was tough. Tony’s team did it again managed by the late Geoff Clarkson. England won yet again. Tony also started the Commonwealth championships where it has grown from strength to strength with India hoping to compete next year. Tony brought joy to many people raising funds for charities and was always great to be around. A great legend and will be sadly missed.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Mike Childs, a great angler who gave so much of his life to representing his country and organising the international fly competitions for seniors and juniors. Mike was central to the England International and World squads for many years and became a very successful team manager. In particular he developed close relationships with other European angling organisations arranging many exchange trips for the senior and youth teams and served as President of the International Fly Fishing Association. Latterly he was the President of the England Youth Fly Fishing Association and gave many years to supporting the younger generation of anglers through national and international competitions. Mike will be sadly missed by so many anglers across the world and our thoughts are with his wife Valerie.

National Finals, Westlow Mere:

Individual – Saturday 5th October

Team – Sunday 6th October

Heats (further dates and venues will be added)

March

Sun – 3rd Chatton (Individual & Team) 18 fished – 12 individuals & 5 teams – Individuals: 1st Gordon Swain 2nd Simon Robinson 3rd Andrew Scott – Teams: 1st Chatton Chasers 2nd Blobbies
Sat – 9th Wansford (Individual & Team) 13 fished – 12 individuals & 3 teams – Individuals: 1st Lee Haslam 2nd Jim Tuck 3rd James Stephenson – Teams: Jubilee Flyfishers
Sun 17th – Sharpley Springs (Individual & Team) 23 fished – 18 individuals & 5 teams – Individuals: 1st Glen Appleby 2nd Anthony Meadows 3rd Dean Appleby – Teams: 1st Stonebridge AAAs 2nd Goonies
Sat 23rd – Toft Newton (Individual & Team) 13 fished – 12 individuals & 1 team (2nd team pulled out due to adverse weather for travelling) – Individuals: 1st Rob Frame 2nd Neil Deakin 3rd Peter Appleby – Team: Toft Trout.com
Sun 31st – Knitsley Mill (Individual & Team) 23 fished – 13 individuals & 5 teams – Individuals: 1st Paul Runec 2nd Trevor Wadds 3rd Blyth Palmer – Teams: 1st G Loomis

April

Sat 6th – Seighford (Individual & Team) 23 fished – Individuals: 1st Mark Harrison 2nd Tim Gilchrist 3rd Terry Phillips – Teams: 1st Marton
Sun 14th – Aldin Grange (Individual & Team) 14 fished – 12 individuals & 2 teams – Individuals: 1st Josh Fenton 2nd Ryan Mathews 3rd Tracey Davison – Teams: 1st Rainbow Warriors
Sun 21st – Westlow Mere (Individual & Team) 14 fished – 12 individuals & 2 teams – Individuals: 1st Colin Harris 2nd Harry Saxton 3rd Mike Dixon – Teams: 1st Seighford Sharks
Sun 21st – Walthamstow reservoirs (Individual & Team) 12 fished – 12 individuals & 2 teams – Individuals: 1st Mark Thomas 2nd Jim Dillon 3rd Lee Bartlett – Teams: 1st London Irish – Full Results Greys Bank Results
Sat 27th – Langley Dam  (Individual & Team) 19 fished – 8 individuals & 4 teams – Individuals: 1st Gareth Tilley 2nd Steve Cochrane – Teams: 1st Goonies

May

Sat 4th – Bushyleaze (Individual & Team) 13 individuals & 2 teams – Individuals: 1st Adrian Judd (unable to fish the final) 2nd Dave Wortley 3rd= John Page & Howard Leatherdale – Teams: Southern Feds                                                                                          Sat 25th – Bank House (Individual & Team) 11 fished – 9 individuals & 1 team – Individuals: 1st Graeme Kennerly 2nd Malcom Proudlock – Team: Westlow Wackers

July

Sun 21st – Innis Fishery (Individual) 11 fished – 1st Paul Jones 2nd Dave Jones                 Sun 28th – West House (Individual) 12 fished – 1st Andy Taylor 2nd Peter Crow 3rd Chris Micallef

August

Sat 3rd – Press Manor (Individual) 12 fished – 1st Bernie Maher 2nd Andy Miller 3rd Adam Hirst

Sat 10th – Knitsley Mill (Individual & Team) 13 fished, including 2 teams – Individuals: 1st Mark Howard 2nd Ben Race 3rd Bill Thompson – Teams: 1st MBB

Sun 18th – Innis Fishery (Individual & Team) Individuals: 1st Peter Runnalls 2nd Dave Higgins 3rd Len Nottle – Teams: 1st Innes 1

Sun 18th – Aldin Grange (Team) 1st Consett Budgies 18pts 11 fish 2nd Derwent Valley Fly Fishers 18pts 10 fish

The 2013 Rivers National will be held on the River Dart, on the weekend of 13th-14th July 2013. Federation of Peninsular Flyfishers.

(by federation)

Army

Usually fished at Rutland over two consecutive days. The actual dates cannot be published for security reasons. Please contact the secretary Si Elson for more details.

East Anglia

Fished over two days on Hanningfield, points total from both days determines qualifiers.

(1) 12th May – Hanningfield – 16 fished: 1st Lloyd Pallet 21-13-0 2nd Lee Bartlett 20-12-0 3rd Tim Joyce 20-4-0 4th Clive Morgan 20-0-0 5th Gary Morris 18-12-0

(2) 16th June – Hanningfield

Midlands

Fished over two days, points total from both days determines qualifiers.

(1) 16th June – Rutland Water – 33 fished: 1st Ashley Davis 2nd Steve Ellerbeck 3rd Geoff Makin 4th Frank Sumnall 5th Tony Curtis 6th Graham Willis 7th Chris Bobby 8th Harley Smith 9th Graham Pearson 10th Chris MacLeod – Full Results FMFFA Round 1 Qualifier 2013 – Rutland

(2) 30th June – Grafham Water – 33 fished: 1st Chris MacLeod 2nd Ashley Davis 3rd Tony Curtis 4th David Moore 5th Steve Cullen 6th Gareth Tilley 7th Charlie Abrahams 8th Graham Pearson 9th Chris Bobby 10th Mark Haycock

Overall Qualifiers: 1st Ashley Davis (3pts) 2nd Tony Curtis (8pts) 3rd Chris MacLeod (11pts) 4th Chris Bobby (16pts) 5th Steve Cullen (17pts) 6th Graham Pearson (17pts) 7th Harley Smith (22pts) 8th Graham Willis (22pts) 9th Steve Ellerbeck (22pts) 10th Charlie Abrahams (23pts) – Full Results FMFFA Round 2 Qualifier 2013 – Grafham

Northern

Three separate qualifiers.

14th April – Stocks – more information here: 2013 Northern Federation Qualifiers & forms

26th May – Kielder Water – more information here: 2013 Northern Federation Qualifiers & forms

22nd & 23rd June (Fished over two days) – Stocks – more information here: 2013 Northern Federation Qualifiers & forms

Peninsula

28th April – Blagdon – 27 fished: 1st Paul Jones 2nd Tony Chipman 3rd Matt Kingdom 4th Dave Drake 5th Pete Kempton 6th Steve Ebdon 7th Denis Symonds 8th John Glanfield – Full Results Blagdon 2013 Results Summary 

RAF

Usually fished at Grafham over two consecutive days. The actual dates cannot be published for security reasons. Please contact the secretary Dave Newing for more details.

Severn Trent

16th June – Blithfield – 46 fished: 1st Steve Peart 2nd Mike Dixon 3rd Malcom Sargeant 4th John Calvert 5th Gary Owen 6th Eddie Upton 7th Phil Dixon 8th Lee Patten 9th Mark Harrison 10th Mike Laycock 11th Phil Longstaff 12th Mike Lightfoot – Full Results: Severn Trent Loch-style Qualifier 

South East

Fished over two days, points total from both days determines qualifiers.

(1) 26th May – Bewl Water – 28 fished: 1st Vince Brooks 2nd Nick Cox 3rd Ray French 4th Clive Collier 5th Ian Watts 6th Dave Crouch 7th Joel Beeney 8th Len Childs 9th Martin Wright 10th Baz Reece – Full Results 130526 SEFF First Leg(1)

(2) 23rd June – Bewl Water – 1st Gilliam Vermeulen 2nd Joel Beeney 3rd Vince Brooks 4th Andrew Green 5th Mike Heritage 6th Len Childs 7th Nick Cox 8th Matthew Bosher 9th Rob Barden 10th Mick Priest

Overall Qualifiers: 1st Vince Brooks 4pts 2nd Joel Beeney 9pts 3rd Nick Cox 9pts 4th Gilliam Vermeulen 12pts 5th Len Childs 14pts 6th Ray French 15pts 7th Andrew Green 16pts 8th Mike Heritage 21pts

Southern

Two separate qualifiers.

14th April – Bewl Water – 19 fished: 1st John Pearn 2nd Paul Lee 3rd Lindsay Simpson 4th Clive Perkins 5th Bill Rankin – Full Results Bewl2013resultssheet

19th May – Chew Valley Lake – 38 fished: 1st Dale Burgess 2nd Mark Withyman 3rd Mark Miles 4th Martin Burgess 5th Gary Haskins – Full Results chewresultstestbw

Membership/Entry Form: Membership Chit 2013at More information on web page

South West

Note: The South West Federation will not be running a separate Loch-style qualifier this year. Instead, they will be combining with Southern Fly Fishers who will be holding their Chew Valley qualifier on the 19th May (see above for details).