26 anglers from all over the country met at Packington Somers on 6th April to compete on Molands Mere in a match fished to FIPSed International rules. The event was the final stage of the 2012/13 Talent Pathway programme that has seen anglers undertake a training programme designed to teach young anglers with aspirations of fishing for England, the skills and techniques required for international angling. 2012 FIPSed Veterans World Champion, and Sensas U18’s and Ladies’ Team England coach, Joe Roberts attended the match to cast his eye over the talent on show and invited anglers to attend the trial at the end of April. Despite the pleasant weather on the day, the overnight temperature of -4c meant that fishing was difficult to say the least, but all anglers from the Northern, Midlands and Southern squads gave it their all, and the Midlands squad prevailed as the winning team with top individual place going to Midlands angler James Lomas with a weight of 4lb 12oz.

Joe Roberts said “the fishing was very difficult on the day, but all the anglers displayed their qualities and gave it their all. It was very encouraging seeing some of the anglers from the previous year’s programme again and it was evident how much they have developed. It’s fantastic that there are so many anglers from all over the country with the desire to fish at the highest level, and this programme gives those anglers the opportunity to learn the skills required to compete at International level. I would encourage all young anglers who want to fish for their country to get involved.”

The 2013/14 programme promises to be very exciting with some of the top international anglers involved in the delivery of the coaching programme. Details of the 2013/14 Talent Pathway programme will soon be available via the Angling Trust website, and those interested in getting involved will be able to find details of events in their region by visiting www.anglingtrust.net

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News