Thrunton Long Crag holds the first qualifying heat for The Big One competition
Sunday saw the start of the Big One still water competition, which has a first prize of £3,000, writes Bob Smith.
Thrunton Long Crag Fishery held the first qualifying heat.
The morning was cloudy with a cold breeze. The weather conditions did not put the keen anglers off, with one guy travelling from Peterhead, a five-and-a-half hour drive. Anglers travelled from all over England to participate.
Local angler Paul Mallaburn won the heat with 10 trout. England International Davy Parker came second.
Dean Appleby, Craig Compton, Barry Nicholson and Darren Jacques were the other successful qualifiers.
It was really good to see two young lads in their teens giving it a try. They said they were there for the experience and to learn from the other competitors.
In total, 56 trout were caught, giving a rod average of 3.1.
The next heat, and the second chance to qualify for the final, will be held at Chatton Fishery on March 15. Anyone wanting to book a place should contact the fishery.
Chatton reports that anglers had a rod average of 7.5 fish, with buzzer patterns doing well.
One guy I talked to said he fished the washing line method and returned 11 trout in his session of four hours.
I fished Thrunton twice and had good sport in both two-hour sessions.
One session I netted nine trout and dropped two. The fish were very high in the water and a single dry, or nymph or buzzer, all in sizes 16 to 20, were successful.
The other session brought five to the net using a single fly and similar patterns.
It’s less than three weeks to the start of the river trout season so it’s time to check waders, light tackle, and all the bits and bobs that I carry.