Stop Press: Watch and share the new update video from Rob Hughes on Facebook, reporting from Carp Team England base camp in Spain.
The new The FIPSed 17th World Carp Fishing Championship takes place on the River Ebro at Caspe from October 7-10 and England are hoping for their first ever gold medal spot.
“For a rookie squad we’re in reasonable shape,” said Rob. “We’ve had a recce and also a full squad practice at the venue and now it’s time for the main event.
“Practice was a big learning curve and the river can throw all sorts of things at you, particularly species like catfish and monster roach. It is not going to be easy but my boys are technically capable, confident and we’ve done an awful lot of preparation.”
With 23 nations taking part, competition is going to be stiff, especially from the likes of favourites Romania, Russia, Croatia and France.
The squad consists of England regulars Billy Flowers and Jamie Londors, as well as new boys and UK No 1 seeds Alexei Bygrave and Harry Charrington, former British Champions Neil Rivers and Chris Holmes, big hitter Mark Bartlett and Ebro expert Paul Booth.
“There is a great mix of experience, enthusiasm, expertise and knowledge so as long as the draw bag is kind to us we will be competitive,” said Rob.
“I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the company of the England feeder team and in particular Tommy Pickering who I admire greatly as a manager and I’ve picked a lot up from him.
“He says it takes time to build a squad as these world events are massively different to anything that we have in the UK. He’s bang on but we are ready and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
To keep in touch with the World Championships directly from Spain there will be regular updates on the Carp Team England Facebook site and also across Twitter.
Picture:
England Team member Chris Holmes with one of the fish the lads caught in practice at Caspe a few weeks ago. High resolution version HERE. Carp Team England Logo Graphic HERE.
Contacts:
Rob Hughes Carp Team England Manager 07939 277801
Ben Thompson Angling Trust 07854 240177
Angling Trust:
The Angling Trust is the national representative and governing body for angling in England. It is united in a collaborative relationship with Fish Legal, a separate membership association that uses the law to protect fish stocks and the rights of its members throughout the UK. Joint membership packages with Fish Legal are available for individuals, clubs, fisheries and other categories. Find out all about the Angling Trust and its work at www.anglingtrust.net or call us on 01568 620447.
