HOPES are high that the World Champs could be held on an English water for the first time since the early 1990s after the Angling Trust revealed that it has lodged bids for the full Nations and Feeder events in the next couple of years.
In an era where individual titles and big-money matches dominate the headlines, it’s a move with the potential to rejuvenate the nation’s attitude towards international fishing.
The last time the World Champs was held in England was the 1994 contest at Holme Pierrepont Rowing Course, where England won gold and Bob Nudd took home his third individual title.
While England have tasted great success overseas since then, the Championships have never returned to our shores, but that could be set to change after the Trust revealed that it had sent an application to FIPS-ed – the International Sport Fishing Federation – to host either the full Nations or the Feeder event in 2024 or 2025.
England Men’s Float Team Manager, Mark Downes, is delighted by the Trust’s increased backing.
“It’s fabulous that it’s put a proposal forward,” he said. “We must get one of the events over the two years, and we’ve got meetings coming up on where the event could be held. Rowing courses are ideal candidates, and we have a few that fit the access and spectator criteria.”
So, could a return to Holme Pierrepont be on the cards?
“Holme Pierrepont is logistically perfect and will be mentioned alongside other venues, but we don’t know it’s fish stocks,” Mark said. “There’s the option to select a venue and create a stocking programme leading up to the event, but I’ll have more information on this later in the year.”
Jamie Cook, the Trust’s CEO, hopes an international event on home water can boost the national team’s prominence.
“The international scene is hugely competitive, with more countries equipped to win than in the past, many of them better funded than England,” he added.
“Like many amateur sports in the UK, we’re not in that position. We want to focus on how best to support Team England, maintain competitiveness and revitalise prominence, including the media coverage and sponsorship our teams deserve.”
