The 2007 NFA Veterans National Championship was won by John Ellis at Heronbrook Fishery.
Winner Centre, Silver left and Bronze Right
After the heavy rains of the previous year, this years Veterans National was blessed with a warm overcast day and light winds. In view of the recent flooding that had devastated this area just a few weeks ago the fishery was in excellent condition for the competition, although high water level in the lakes was evidence of water still draining away from the area resulting in quite clear water conditions.
The event was fished by 216 anglers who were eagerly looking forward to some good sport following highly successful practice sessions by some of the competitors.
Most anglers experienced a very quiet first half to the match with just a few fish being landed including carp between four and eight pounds in weight. The fishing did pick up for the majority of the competitors’ and several reasonable catches were recorded.
The match was won on Match Lake peg 46 by John Ellis (Mark’s Tackle) from Stourport-on Severn who fishes with the Starlets Veterans. Johns catch weighed 23 kilo 780 grams made up of carp in the 2/3 kilo bracket caught fishing pellet up in the water at 16 metres on the pole.
Runner up was Brian Miller (Sussex Worm Breeders) from Steyning who fishes for Shimano Arun, he was also on Match Lake at Peg 55 who weighed in 22 kilos 240 grams. Brian caught on the pellet waggler with most of his fish coming in the first and last hours his best two carp weighed approximately 6.8 kilos and 5.4 kilos.
Third pace went to well-known northern matchman Jimmy Byrne (Shaw’s Tackle) from Warrington who weighed in 19 kilos. Jimmy had carp to 1.8 kilos fishing meat on the pole from Meadow Pool peg 11 and caught the bulk of his fish in the final hour of the match.
Thanks must be given to Neil and all his staff at Heronbrook Fisheries for the use of their waters and canteen facilities and all their help on the day.
First ten individuals
1) John Ellis Match Lake 46 23k 780g
2) Brian Miller Match lake 55 22k 240g
3) Jimmy Byrne Meadow Lake 11 19k 000g
4) John Talbot Meadow lake 1 17k 660g
5) Dick Clegg Match Lake 53 17k 000g
6) Noel Wells Bridge Lake 22 14k 760g
7) David Williams Meadow Lake 22 14k 400g
8) Mark Parker New Canal 27 12k 440g
9) John Hunt New Canal 15 11k 180g
10) Roger Bowler Bridge 20
