Lee Kerry Behind the scenes at the FeederMasters event
Organiser and 2019 winner Lee Kerry explains why it’s so special
The Preston Innovations FeederMasters event is now in its fourth year, and after three great finals at Bough Beech Reservoir we found a new home for the big weekend at Cornwall’s Upper Tamar Lake.
Changing a final venue is not something to be taken lightly and there are many considerations, but at FeederMasters I work as part of a team with Mick and Darren Vials. When we were looking for a new final venue, I was excited to see what Tamar had to offer – but just what makes a great final?
This is a big question, and one that we are constantly working on, but for me the underlying goal is to get the right atmosphere among the anglers.
Is there the buzz and drive that we all crave in a big event? This, I think, comes as a result of a number of aspects.
LocaTion
First of all is the location. The main priority is to take people to somewhere that they may not usually fish, somewhere they will have to stay away from home and somewhere that’s a little exciting. This helps create a togetherness between competitors as they become part of the event and not outsiders simply turning up for a few days of fishing.
The fishing
Then, of course, there is the fishing. Upper Tamar is one of the most prolific naturally stocked silver fish lakes I have ever fished in England.
The main species are skimmers and roach, so there are plenty of bites to help competitors get into their match and feel as though they have a chance.
heLp & assisTance
Fishery staff are the final piece of the puzzle. The fishing at Tamar is controlled by the South West Lakes Trust. This is a fantastic organisation that looks after 35 waters in Cornwall taking in maintenance, fish protection and angler accessibility.
The angling team is headed up by Ben Smeeth, and a nicer guy you couldn’t wish to meet, with the drive and enthusiasm to help everyone. Pegs were cut out, parking provisions were made, transport to pegs in the form of boats and trailers was laid on and everyone was made to feel welcome. Nothing is too much trouble for these people.
THE FORMAT
These are key factors for any final, and the ‘buzz’ of this year’s event was there for all to enjoy – but away from these key factors, the event format is something that has also received praise from competitors.
The reservoir is open for practice during the week and then, on the Friday before the weekend, an official practice match is held which ensures two things. First of all, anglers feel comfortable for the weekend with getting to pegs, getting in the water and taking in the style of fishing under match conditions. It gives everyone an air of confidence, which is great to see.
Second, it ensures some bait goes in across every peg to be used on the venue, and this helps the fish spread out across the pegs for the weekend.