BIRMINGHAM angler Phil Jackson achieved a lifelong ambition when he won the River Wye Championships at the weekend, after 30 years of trying.

Phil finally hit the jackpot after weighing in 51-4-0 of barbel, all taken on pellet from the Breinton stretch opposite the golf club, a noted big fish area.

The Quinton rod included two nine-pounders in his net, which was only just enough to see off another Birmingham rod, Starlets’ Danny Ashington. Danny had seven barbel on pellet and 15lb of dace from the tennis courts stretch for 50-4-0.

Phil (51) won the Severn Championships in 1985 and believes he may be the only Birmingham angler ever to have won both prestigious titles.

Phil qualifies for the Midland Angler Matchman of the Month final at Barston Lakes.

Geepster