I don't know why - but August always seems to be the busiest month of the year for me. The end of July saw me visiting the CLA Game Fair, which I thought it was brilliant - the best I've ever been to, then there's the Chatsworth Country Fair to look forward to in September - so no local major events planned during August. How wrong can you be?

Here's some of the things that I have enjoyed during August...

National Fishing week
NFW started on the 20th August and I organised an event at Barlow Fisheries, and boy - something like that does take your time. The amount of letters and e-mails generated is quite frightening! You'd think I was organising the fair at Chatsworth!
Still it's worth all the hard work, I'm just glad the weather was kind to us.

Casting a line
Don't forget the fishing, I really do need to get on the bank regularly, life is not the same if you don't waggle a rod once or twice a week. I start to get withdrawal symptoms if I don't drown a maggot on a regular basis!

Fish-o-Mania



No I wasn't one of the contestants, along with a dozen or so more NFA angling coaches, I was giving newcomers the chance to catch a fish or two at Hayfield - and very enjoyable it was too. Pity I fell down a rabbit hole before the event started. I really didn't leave my peg that day. Lots of people, trade stands, TV cameras - the works, what a brilliant day! Shame I spent the rest of the week wobbling along like a duck!

C.A.T.C.H.
This is a recent innovation in the Chesterfield area, a few dedicated local anglers have banded together to give youngsters the chance to try their hand at fishing at Poolsbrook Country Park.

The anglers have gained funding from the EA and the local council and are now sitting the NFA's level two course which will enable them to become professional angling coaches. Credit where credit's due as they say.

I was at Poolsbrook giving them a hand one Wednesday evening and Sunday morning, they really are a dedicated bunch! I found out they are all policemen - so not only are they keeping the streets safe - they're teaching kids angling skills as well - how good is that!

Pictured left, CATCH guys - Lou and Tony

East Midlands Carp Study Group

I was kindly invited by Dave Williams to a EMCSG bash - a 'Dad's and Lad's' fish-in held at Sherwood Forest Farm Park. The idea being that all the 'big boys' from the group set up their carp gear and whenever a fish was hooked, the rod was handed over to a youngster to play and land the fish. What tremendous fun!
Proper 'big boys' carp gear, the latest rigs and bait and every 'run' given to a youngster. I tried to tell them I was eight years old, but I think the beard gave me away! Everyone had a marvellous time with the youngsters catching some sizeable fish.

Here's the results of the fish-in:
Ben (from Reading) had 8 fish to 9lb. James had 14 (!) to 12lb 8oz, he caught the most carp and the biggest for the second year running, winning a reel from DAM UK for his efforts. Reece had 6 fish to 7lb 8oz and his sisters had a couple each.

All the kids got two goodie bags donated from Custom Baits, Walkers of Trowel, Planet Carp of Nottingham, Ocean Fresh Baits, the Bait and Feed Company, Prologic and Korda to name a few of the sponsors.
Dave Williams really has some good contacts with the carp world!

Thanks to the BBQ cooks Jane Phillips and Clare and helpers John Phillips, Andy Giggs, Richard Poole and Tony Fox and of course the team at Sherwood Forest Farm Park.

Pictured left to right: Ben and James from the E.M.C.S.G.

Looking forward!
I'm planning a visit to Calverton Fish Farm which is run by the E.A. - that should be fun - I wonder if they'll let me have a cast?

Until the next time, good fishing to you all

Kevin Miles

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