PICTURE STORY NFU launches fly fishing contest

PICTURE STORY  Farming and fishing came together on a windswept Rutland Water late last week when 24 hardy souls took part in the NFU’s inaugural fly fishing championships.

Organised by NFU East Midlands director, Richard Hezlet, 12 teams of two – including farmers, NFU staffers and other “hangers on” – competed to catch the most and the fattest trout.

Overall winners were Peter Hartley and Mike Barrett – the Huntingdon Raiders –  who also won the “guest team” trophy, with an impressive 16 trout weighing in at 31lbs 12ozs.

The best performing NFU team consisted of Stephen Ellerbeck and Chris Lane from East Anglia, who netted 13 trout between them for 24lbs 4ozs – proving that a little local knowledge goes a long way.

And the trophy for the biggest fish of the day was caught by NFU policy director Andrew Clark with a 3lbs 7.5ozs “monster” (well, an above average “stockie” anyway!)

The wooden spoon was picked up by………Farmers Weekly’s Phil Clarke and Tim Relf who netted zero fish for a total weight of 0lbs 0ozs!Well, there’s always next year.

Peter Hartley and Mike Barrett – the Huntingdon Raiders

Top fishermen Stephen Ellerbeck and Chris Lane were the overall NFU team winners

NFU team runner up Michael Blazey gets his prize from Andrew Clark….

….and is joined by team mate Alan Wreathall (left)

NFU policy director Andrew Clark had the biggest fish of the day

Weighing in – in total 63 fish were caught for a total weight of 132lbs.

To read Tim Relf’s take on fishing, see his Field Day blog.