It doesn't matter who we are—unfortunately, Father Time catches up with us and we are all aging, perhaps a lot faster than we'd like. However, one angler who has proven that age is just a number is Tony Hopley. After a successful match fishing career, he has turned his hand to chasing specimens on his local river—despite being 81 years old!
Although he is no longer able to compete in matches, he has still found a way to get out on the bank, which is inspiring to all anglers. We can only hope that we’re still able to do the same at 80 years old.
“I’m 81 years old and have severe arthritis, which means my match fishing days and nights spent fly fishing for sea trout are over," Tony explained.
“I have great memories, though, particularly from the match circuit, as in 2003 I won the Division 1 National on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal," he added!
“Now, though, I look for fishing that’s less physically demanding and have found perch fishing to be right up my street."
“I recently visited a Midlands river which I found in a poor state – filled with ice water after a recent thaw. But I thought I’d try anyway, and cast out an open-end feeder crammed with maggots and a little chopped worm. My hookbait was a full lobworm."
“A few hours later I had a bite and hooked a fish that charged off a few times. It gave a great fight, and I was very pleased to eventually slip the net under this fine perch."
“It weighed 4lb 10oz, and is a fish I’m still buzzing about!”
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