Sponsorship?

Unfortunately, as mentioned last week, we were a couple of key casters down for the competitions. So although there were was competition for John Reynolds in the senior championship, the overall championship was a less competitive affair as I won all six distance events, which when combined with a second place in the accuracy, meant I took the title for the 3rd year in a row. I think next year we might have to think about some sort of prize money for the championship, in fact Tracy suggested that maybe her company will sponsor a £1000 first prize. Her company has nothing to do with the fly fishing industry mind you (unless there's fishing off the front of nuclear subs) so she'll get absolutely zero in the way of promotion from it, but she may get some sort of tax write off. Anyway, we need to do something to encourage new (and existing) casters.

Before the competition I did a thorough inspection of Tracy's TCX #10 rod that we both use in the #5 and #7 trout distance events. It was fair to say that quite a few of the rings were past their best. This rod has been re-ringed previously, so it's now needing it's 3rd set of guides. I did explore the possibility of swapping the snakes for Torzites with a couple of rod builders that I know – I was told that going from a double whipping down to one may not look that great. Therefore I decided to replace the rings like-for-like and then look to buy a new rod for casting purposes. It just so happens that I know a renowned tackle tart who may be selling a Hot Torpedo comp 5 V2 (the #10). I had a few minutes with this rod before the competition on Sunday, the first thing that struck me was how quiet the line was through the rings, especially compared to the harsh sawing sound that Tracy's TCX is currently making (albeit with an old line). As such, I decided to cast it in the #5 and #7 events, taking wins in both as stated above. I'm planning on doing a proper back-to-back trial today, if I convince myself that I cast as least as far with the HT as I do with the TCX then I'll buy it, and Nick can use the cash to buy another 9ft #5 no doubt!

This weekend Tracy and I are heading over to the GAIA annual meeting at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. This is a stunning backdrop to a casting meeting and includes a stretch of the river Derwent, so hopefully we'll get out for some fishing. On the Saturday there's a number of demonstrations in the afternoon – I'll be helping out Nick as he's still very much struggling with tennis elbow. As far as I know, he'll be doing the talking and I'll be doing the casting – if he says something along the lines of 'James is now going to cast 130ft left handed' he'll be going in the river though.

On the Sunday we'll then be running all the events that make up a typical BFCC competition day. Tracy and I won't be competing, however we will be available for coaching with the outfits that people may not be so familiar with – mainly the shooting head events. We're hoping to crown a GAIA winner from the instructors, instructors in waiting and BFCC members who are also invited to attend. There will also be a surplus of normal instruction for anyone who wants it.

Hope you're having a great week,

James.