England teams bid for World golds
England hoping for gold at the Sport Fishing World Games
THE fourth Sport Fishing World Games kicks off this week in South Africa – where Team England will be looking to cement their reputation as one of the finest fishing forces on the planet.
Dubbed ‘The Olympics of Angling’, this year’s games will feature more than 1,000 sea and freshwater anglers from 42 nations.
As in previous competitions, Team England will be fielding an impressive line-up across their four freshwater squads: Float Masters, Ladies Float Team, Carp Team and Feeder Team.
A few days before the teams left for South Africa, Angling Times spoke to Carp Team England manager Rob Hughes and Preston Innovations England Feeder Team boss Dean Barlow – both of whom will be helping their squads target the large shoals of carp of the immense River Vaal at Bloemhof Dam.
“I’m massively excited,” said Rob. “This event is unquestionably the biggest in the world of angling.
“It’s especially important for us in the Carp Team as it’s the biggest event at the games, with 24 nations competing.
“Any international duty is an honour and a privilege, and it’s something we all take immensely seriously.”
The Carp Team are aiming high, but Rob knows how difficult success will be.
“We don’t go to these events to take part – we go to win. However, this year presents a different challenge,” Rob added.
“There are a lot more southernhemisphere teams competing, and we’re fishing in their backyard. “Nevertheless, we’ve set ourselves very high expectations, and we are going for gold!”
Dean Barlow is also full of anticipation for his first event as Feeder Team manager.
He said: “This is the hardest World Champs to win because the South Africans are so dominant on their own water.
“We know that we need to give ourselves an edge. Additives will play a big role in our approach, particularly as most nations will be using the same worm and corn hookbaits.
“The venue is very snaggy and pegs vary a lot, with some areas being very deep and others shallow. It will be challening, but I know that I have the six best feeder anglers in the world in my team and we’re confident of a good result.”
The Sport Fishing World Games started on February 9 and runs until February 16.