Chaps/Chapesses,

How would I go about getting into some competitions this year?

Based in Farnham, Surrey so the more local the better to begin with to get a taster?

Thanks,
Craig

Not sure if you mean reservoirs or small waters or both, so here is what I did when I lived in the guildford/woking area, so not too far from you. I firstly started travelling over to Bewl and gaining experience of fishing loch-style there over the course of a season or two. Around that time I became aware of the CEFF and entered the southern region elminator for the national loch style final. I also fished at Chew and started to fish the odd team event on there when invited to fish in a team by a friend. But overall I did not do a lot of comp fishing - just a handful each year. As time goes on you will get more experienced on the big waters (I am aware that you may well already be fishing the ressys and be very accomplished). This is regardless of your current level of experience - it is simply that the more you fish, the more you learn. Fishing comps will also bring you in contact with other, more experienced anglers and from there, often from being drawn in a boat with various people, you will make contacts and may well find your way onto a team.

Some important bits of advice:
1. Don't have your expectations set too high straight away - use comps as a learning tool - boat partners will often share info/methods with you whilst you fish the comp. Go back to the res. and try these methods out for yourself outside the comps.

2. Start off by fishing just how you would on a pleasure session ie use a method you have confidence in and have succeeded with - don't simply find yourself fishing a certain way on comp day for the first time just because 'such-a-body has caught using x fly/method' - I made those mistakes.

3. Whilst it is important that you don't expect too much straight away results-wise, equally - don't be over-awed if you draw a known top-angler - you have nothing to prove to him and nothing to lose. Success is relative, and if he catches 10 fish and you get 7, for example, you could consider yourself to have done well - but you won't do yourself justice if you freeze up or think your are beaten before you start. Oh, and upsets do happen!!!

Join a local club and fish their competitions and days out to start with - you will be amazed at what you learn. I don't know your area so cannot recommend one but I am sure there are some based around nearby fisheries.

As Ian says, even in the biggest matches, boat partners are generally very helpful and it is very relaxed compared with coarse match fishing.You could pay £100+ for a guided day's fishing with John Horsey or you could draw him in a competition

I've learnt a ton in a few years fishing comps and would thoroughly recommend it.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Brilliant advice. Thank you very much indeed.

Join the club at Bewl. http://www.bewlbridgeflyfishers.com
It's our AGM and auction on Saturday 7th Feb, the auction is superb for bargain rods etc.
We have several club matches a year and the Boat comp pairs experienced comp anglers with comp novices, is as much social as a comp and is a good intro to comp fishing. We also have 2 teams in the AMFC league competition. The second team is used to give competent anglers an opportunity to fish in a team in what is a friendly league. If you join the club you'll certainly get a run out in the AMFC and can fish the boat and bank championships. There are a few "open" competitions for individuals, The Lexus individual (John Horsey - http://www.johnhorsey.co.uk/lexus/indiv.htm and the Bob Church Open, as well as local comps at most of the major reservoirs.
Good luck.

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Thanks for that.

I think I may well just do that and join Bewl.

As for the Bob Church - where do you get an entry form?

Thanks,
Craig

hi the bob church is invite only cheers fritzcat

hi bob church open is as name suggests open to any one , the classic is invite only, ring bob on 01604 661133 for entry form , good luck mike. i think proper title for open is northampton ( town fc ) open

Thanks Mike.

Hi Craig,

If you intend to join the Bewl Bridge Flyfishers Club why not come along to the Club's AGM this Saturday. It's being held at the Bewl Clubhouse starting at 11.00am.

The membership Secretary will be there as will the Club competition Captain and there is a tackle auction held after the AGM finishes.

Come and meet a few of the members, I'm sure you'll be made welcome.

GH.