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It’s been a busy old year for the West Mids Fly-Fishing section. Not only have we been organising a calendar full of social fishing days out and participating in charity and community events across the country, but our competition side has also been thriving.
Earlier in the year, three of our members qualified for the England Police Boat Fishing team by coming in the top section of the qualifiers at Rutland Water, whilst two others narrowly missed out. Two of them, Steve Owen and Chris Howkins went on to fish in the Home Internationals in September, again at Rutland, with me Kevin Pearson acting as reserve in place of Rodger Symons who was unable to attend. This year, England could only manage a place amongst the runners-up, but the experience was fantastic for everyone who contributed in a truly competitive event. As a consolation, I managed to win a side competition for reserves, guests and officials, so at least one medal was brought home!
Then, back in May, the regional qualifiers took place at Draycote Water, where Staffs Police won the right to represent the Midlands region next year at the National Championships. However, not to be outdone, West Mids’ own Steve Lillie secured a place at the event by achieving a position as one of the best individuals. Well done Steve!
More recently, in September, the popular ‘pairs’ competition was held at Eyebrook reservoir in Leicestershire and once again attracted fly-fishing police colleagues from all over the country. The event, which consists of pairs of anglers fishing from boats and competing against each other, brings together anglers from many police forces and such is its popularity was once again fully subscribed.
An excellent job was done by our section secretary Steve Owen who arranged a full allocation of boats from the fishery, organised trophies, prizes, the raffle and even everyone’s overnight accommodation. With support from other members of the section, the event went smoothly and was a resounding success, bringing praise from visiting anglers as far afield as London, Manchester, Cheshire and Lincolnshire as well as our Midlands stalwarts.
The competition was won by an excellent performance from West Mids rods Rodger Symonds and Garrick Stafford who beat off the others by a few ounces to weigh in the heaviest bag of eight fish against some stiff competition on a challenging day when the trout certainly didn’t seem as keen as they were the day before!
Overall, another fine competition season comes towards its end with excellent participation and representation by the West Midlands Police Fly-Fishing section!
Kevin Pearson
Chair
WMP Fly-Fishing section