England will contest the FIPSed 6th World Carnivorous Boat Fishing with Lures Championship for the first time when the event is fished on Northern Irelands Loch Erne in October this year. The event will be centred at Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, and according to the local organisers some big pike are likely to play an important part in the result.
England’s newly elected Manager/Captain Mike Skipper has selected a team of six consisting of three pairs, including the reserve pairing and an Assistant Manager.
Mike is confident that although his team will be competing for the first time they will put in a good performance.
Mike Skipper, England Manager stated “We have managed to maintain the balance of experience, youth and passion along with levels of energy and drive to compete at the required levels. As part of our preparations for October, we are arranging a couple of get together meetings on suitable venues to start the process of building the team spirit and experience of working together to form the bonds we need when selecting the pairs who will fish together.”
The Angling Trust Team England Lure Squad for 2013 are;
Gary Palmer – A professional river guide, Gary has fished all over the world and is just at home with nile, perch and zander as he is with pike and perch.
Eric Edwards – The Angling Development Officer for the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain and a qualified level 2 angling coach, Eric is well known and regarded as a big pike specialist.
Sam Edmonds – Sam is by far the youngest member of the squad at 18 years, and has already represented England at youth level within fly fishing. His UK record of lure caught pike, perch and zander is the envy of many seasoned veterans.
Evaldas Skablauskas – Lithuanian born Evaldas is another multi species angler with a wealth of lure fishing experience, and is regarded as one of the best perch anglers in the country.
Matthew Netherton – With his proven record of watercraft, Matthew’s experience of fishing for many differing species will be a real benefit to the squad.
Gary Edmonds – Father of Sam, Gary has gathered a wealth of knowledge of fishing for many species from all over the world and will be another huge asset to the squad.
Dick Clegg OBE International Events Manager for the Angling Trust stated; “I am confident that we can compete at world level although our first year is all about taking part and then building on what the team learns.”
“This is a relatively new FIPSed competition and Mike Skipper and I believe that England should host these championships in the near future. Indeed I have asked for England’s name to be pencilled in on the calendar of events for the 2016 competition.”
We are looking for sponsors to help with team costs and hope that hosting the 2016 event would be an added attraction to companies involved in lure fishing in England. Please contact Sandra Drew, Competitions & Events Manager, Angling Trust – Telephone; 0115 9061 301 or email; sandra.drew@anglingtrust.net to discuss further.
