The 2007 NFA Veterans National Championship was won by John Ellis at Heronbrook Fishery.

Winner Centre, Silver left and Bronze Right

After the heavy rains of the previous year, this years Veterans National was blessed with a warm overcast day and light winds. In view of the recent flooding that had devastated this area just a few weeks ago the fishery was in excellent condition for the competition, although high water level in the lakes was evidence of water still draining away from the area resulting in quite clear water conditions.

The event was fished by 216 anglers who were eagerly looking forward to some good sport following highly successful practice sessions by some of the competitors.

Most anglers experienced a very quiet first half to the match with just a few fish being landed including carp between four and eight pounds in weight. The fishing did pick up for the majority of the competitors’ and several reasonable catches were recorded.

The match was won on Match Lake peg 46 by John Ellis (Mark’s Tackle) from Stourport-on Severn who fishes with the Starlets Veterans. Johns catch weighed 23 kilo 780 grams made up of carp in the 2/3 kilo bracket caught fishing pellet up in the water at 16 metres on the pole.

Runner up was Brian Miller (Sussex Worm Breeders) from Steyning who fishes for Shimano Arun, he was also on Match Lake at Peg 55 who weighed in 22 kilos 240 grams. Brian caught on the pellet waggler with most of his fish coming in the first and last hours his best two carp weighed approximately 6.8 kilos and 5.4 kilos.

Third pace went to well-known northern matchman Jimmy Byrne (Shaw’s Tackle) from Warrington who weighed in 19 kilos. Jimmy had carp to 1.8 kilos fishing meat on the pole from Meadow Pool peg 11 and caught the bulk of his fish in the final hour of the match.

Thanks must be given to Neil and all his staff at Heronbrook Fisheries for the use of their waters and canteen facilities and all their help on the day.
First ten individuals

1) John Ellis   Match Lake 46   23k  780g
2) Brian Miller  Match lake 55  22k  240g
3) Jimmy Byrne  Meadow Lake 11    19k  000g
4) John Talbot  Meadow lake 1  17k  660g
5) Dick Clegg  Match Lake 53  17k  000g
6) Noel Wells  Bridge Lake 22  14k  760g
7) David Williams  Meadow Lake 22         14k  400g
8) Mark Parker  New Canal 27  12k  440g
9) John Hunt  New Canal 15  11k  180g
10) Roger Bowler  Bridge 20