What we learned in 2017...
Although you’re gone, 2017, we’ll remember you!
Some of the things we learned in 2017...
1. Terry Hearn’s still got it
Okay, so we all knew that really, but it was reinforced in fine style when Tel netted Wasing’s Parrot on the 23rd February. A few romantic souls hoped that maybe he’d reclaim his record, but at a mere 63lb we’re sure he wasn’t complaining.
2. Some records aren’t records after all!
The year was but a few days old when reports filtered through that the British Record Fish Committee (BRFC) had rejected Big Rig’s claim to the crown on grounds that it had been ‘cultivated’ to record size.
3. Yateley’s back in business
Our cover shot from the June issue was Marcus Howarth with the smaller of his brace of giant North Lake commons: Snub Nose at 46lb 1oz. Just like a famous Angling Times cover once said (coincidentally about the North Lake’s previous giant inhabitant, Bazil), there was a ‘bigger one inside’ this time too, in the formidable shape of Murray at 51lb 10oz.
4. Martin Bowler’s some carp angler!
Quite how he didn’t win one of the Carp Angler of the Year awards, we’ll never know? He had an insane run of big, beautiful carp in the spring, topped off with mirrors of 45lb, 48lb 12oz and a frankly ridiculous, 59lb. It’s enough to make anyone take up tench fishing (which is probably what Martin did next, as he tends to focus on carp for short periods only…).
5. Gardner changed the shape of hooks
The new CVR Rigga pattern certainly got us talking on social media. It’s long, strongly swept shank got tongues wagging when it appeared, but one thing’s for sure, it’s sure to be a super-effective pattern!
6. Richworth just won’t retire!
Bob and Sue Baker called time on the oldest bait company out there, closing its doors in February, but the company rose again, under new management later last year. Seems there’s life in the old dog yet! Bob and Sue, we hope you enjoy your retirement!
7. Carp smell through their fins
Scotty got all technical in the April issue, dropping the bomb that not only do carp have a sense of taste that’s eight times more potent than ours, but they have ‘taste buds’ on their fins too!
8. New Nash hooks are on-point
Nashy waited until the very end of the year before revealing that, not only had they bought Pinpoint Hooks, with their sharpening tech, but they were also about to drop some new patterns, including the crazy-looking Flota Claw!
9. Solar re-entered the fray!
Just lately Solar has announced that it’s back, in a big way! They’ve stepped away from their usual fayre (boilies, stainless and end tackle) to serve up some innovative luggage, bivvies and bedchairs. Watch this space in 2018!
10. Big unknowns do exist!
The November issue (you know the one, it’s got the impressive Croc on the cover!) carried an amazing tale from Simon Hartop, in which he details fishing for a creature that he described as being, “Bigger than the Black Mirror”. Stirring stuff from one of our favourite writers!
11. Off-grid is where it’s at
Star of our Off-Grid special in the October issue, the talented Liam Duncan, typifies the new wave of secret squirrel. Young lads who live and breathe their fishing, which more often than not takes place on ‘quiet’ waters, well away from the madding crowd. A campaign on one such water saw Liam bank a rarely seen fifty-pound mirror in 2017.
12. Pecky still can’t be stopped!
No matter where he plants his Tempest, Pecky seems to find success and spring 2017 proved that even the biggest fish in Holland couldn’t resist his charms, or was that his tiger nut? At 74lb the huge mirror crowned an awesome couple of seasons on the Continent, and set a new PB for the unstoppable big fish hunter (perhaps not so unstoppable though, since his wife gave birth to twins! Congrats mate).
13. It’s still all about the Ronnie!
Despite hitting the scene in a big way last year, there hasn’t been a rig to overthrow the all-conquering Ronnie Rig in 2017. Variations? Yes. New Ronnie Rig accessories? Yes. But no pretender to the throne! Who knows though, maybe 2018 will see something equally revolutionary hit these pages?
