This weekend sees the use of bloodworm and joker in matches on the Warwickshire Avon at Evesham for the first time in nearly a year and with roach already feeding fairly well in many areas good weights are predicted.
The controversial bait is being allowed, with strict limits in place, for four Shakespeare Championship and Abu Garcia Wychavon Championship qualifiers as well as all three final days over the bank holiday weekend.
Match Fishing Magazine Editor Dave Harrell who is a co-organiser of the festival expects plenty of roach to be caught. “The response by anglers wanting to take part in these bloodworm and joker allowed matches has been incredible,” he said. “When the decision was made to allow the bait a few people predicted low turnouts but nothing could be further from the truth as all the four qualifiers with the bait allowed were sold out in record time and there is now a long waiting list for places. I’m expecting some big weights of roach but there will still be big fish to go for of course for those angers who just want to sit and try for one or two bites.”
An additional Abu Garcia Wychavon Championship qualifying match has been slotted in on Sunday August 22nd to replace the cancelled Ladies Championship, with three final places up for grabs. Bloodworm and joker is not allowed in this match and places can be reserved by contacting Diana Raphael on 01386 442458.
Remaining qualifiers
Shakespeare Championship
August 7th and 15th 
Abu Garcia Wychavon Championship
August 8th, 14th, 22nd.