THAT 400lb Catch from the Trent

A Statement by the DVSG (Don Valley Specimen Group)

Following the publication of a news story in which a founder member of the DVSG, Adam Roberts (19), was reported as having caught more than 400 pounds of fish including carp over 20lb, chub over 5lb and barbel to double figures from Collingham, the DVSG would like to clarify the true facts.

It has been alleged that Adam either didn’t make this catch or that the catch was not from Collingham. Adam did indeed make this splendid catch, however it was taken from the Barnsley and District AA water, controlled by the Hazelford Piscatorial Society (HPS), at Hazelford. This was his first visit as a member.

Pictures of the fish were taken by Chris Pearson and several other members of the HPS using Adam’s camera. The catch was subsequently shared with the angling media with no further details about the venue other than to say it was made on the ‘middle Trent’.

The first report was published by Bob Roberts in his weekly angling column in the North Midlands/ South Yorkshire sports newspaper, the Green Un. The catch was faithfully reported as ‘middle Trent’ at Matt Brown’s specific request. After submitting his copy, Bob received a menacing email from Tony Rocca stating that if he mentioned Hazelford it would ‘jeopardise the standing’ of Matt and Adam in the HPS.

Adam and Matt were aware of the HPS ‘no publicity’ rule and felt they were within the rules as applied previously. Other members had pictures published in the national angling press on other occasions and no action was taken.

The news was shared with a leading angling publication and a reporter rang Tony Rocca asking for permission to use a picture taken when the venue was used last summer for an article featuring Paul Owens, the Barbel Society secretary. Rocca not only refused this request, he actually went on to insist that the catch was specifically reported as ‘from Collingham’.

Knowing that Adam has fished regularly at Collingham in the past, that the artwork and page layout was at an advanced stage and that failing to concede would probably cost Adam his ticket, the journalist reluctantly agreed to name the venue as Collingham, a decision made in the heat of the moment and one he sincerely regrets.

Chris Pearson e-mailed various parties claiming they were in breach of copyright for using the photographs he took. The e-mail is filled with legal jargon. He then demanded payment for use of the photographs (although he only took one of them).

Subsequently the newspaper agreed to donate a fee to the Barbel Society Junior Section for the use of Chris Pearson’s (sic) pictures. This was done purely as a gesture to protect the memberships of Adam and Matt.

The story has since been reported widely in the media including national radio, the Daily Star, Internet sites and in Angling Times, each stating Collingham as the venue.

In a final twist of the knife, Matt and Adam have received an e-mail from Rocca saying that “due to pressure from the members” both Adam and Matt have been kicked out of the Hazelford Piscatorial Society.

Tony Rocca, who insisted on the content of the story, and Chris Pearson, who gave permission to use the pictures by accepting payment, remain members.

The DVSG fully supports Adam Roberts and Matt Brown. At no time did they seek to name the venue or exaggerate the catch. Nor did they ask for, or expect, payment from the media.

The DVSG would like to apologise to any angler who was misled by the reports and wasted both time and money in search of a good day’s fishing.

The DVSG would like to apologise to Collingham and District AA for any inconvenience that may have been caused at what is already a very busy fishery.

The DVSG would like to apologise to the Collingham regulars who knew full well that the catch was not taken there and subsequently suffered ridicule on Internet forums.

These are the facts and we feel they speak for themselves.

The DVSG do not wish to make any further comment on this matter.