2014’s competition saw 29 anglers take to the water, with Graham Hayward landing 8 fish for 21lb 12 ¼ oz to become English National Youth Champion.  Each year’s National Final also determines the England Youth Team for the following year’s Home International Youth Loch Style Championship.  The top 10 rods from this year’s National will qualify to represent England in the summer of 2016, when Ireland will be the host nation.

The cost of entering the Youth National remains the same for 2015 at £30, and covers boat hire, a fishing permit and the services of a boatman/woman during the final.  20 boats have been reserved on Saturday 23rd May for anglers wanting to get some last minute preparation and practice.  These should be booked direct with Grafham Water Fishing Lodge, quoting practice for the Youth National.

“The English National Youth Final is, without doubt, the single most important opportunity for any young fly fisher keen to pursue their sport at the very highest level by representing their country', says England Youth Team manager Clark Colman.

“With ten Youth Team places up for grabs, the pressure to get it right on the day will never have been higher, so the ability to remain cool and sportsmanlike both on and off the water, and to trust both their abilities and instincts, will be paramount for all competitors.  I and the rest of the final-day team are greatly looking forward to welcoming all anglers and their families to Grafham in May, and we wish them the very tightest of lines for what will surely be a tremendously exciting weekend for youngsters and adults alike!' 

Ben Thompson, Senior Competitions & Talent Manager at the Angling Trust, said; “This is a great opportunity for youngsters to get a taste of competitive fly fishing.  The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment, but for serious anglers being recognised as National Champion is a huge achievement, and the opportunity to represent England in 2016 is another big incentive to do well.  The competition is open to all, so I’d encourage anglers from all over to come along, enjoy the occasion and get involved in competitive fly fishing.”

To book your place at the Youth National and find out more information about the event, please visit www.anglingtrust.net/eyf  and download an application form. 

This should be returned to;

Angling Trust, Competitions Department, Strelley Hall, Main Street, Strelley, Nottingham, NG8 6PE

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News