A visit to Chatsworth Angling Fair 20th & 21st May, 2006
A visit to Chatsworth Angling Fair is perhaps
the highlight of my angling calendar. The Fair is held in the fabulous
settings of Chatsworth House, the country's favourite stately home - it's
where I meet a lot of my angling friends for a good chat and an update
on all the local news and gossip - and even better - the event is virtually
on my doorstep!
This year, in what is perhaps true Chatsworth fashion - it rained - and
when I say rained - it was stair-rods for both days! But what you have
to remember though, is that the great British angler is used to the rain
and mud, so everyone really felt at home!
Saturday morning as I mingled through the crowds and chatted to the traders,
everyone agreed they had done ok, the adverse weather obviously hadn't
deterred anyone. I reckon the visiting anglers had saved all their hard-earned
cash and were determined to get there early to bag all the bargains, and
of course there were plenty of bargains for everyone.
Lots of fly-fishing equipment was available - with some incredible deals
on offer - and the coarse fishing side was well represented - I saw good
quality feeder rods being sold for £10 and fixed-spool reels from
as little as £5. I just don't know how the traders can make a profit
on such inexpensive kit.
Personally I stocked up on some dry flies, I can't tie size 20's anymore,
I reckon it's my arms that are shrinking! I just had to buy a few pole
floats, new line, hooks, a pole roller, a couple of catapults and the
biggest Cornish pasty I have ever encountered. OK it cost £3.50
but I just couldn't manage it all - and believe you me - I have a good
appetite!
Casting
around...
I managed to watch the casting competition where the likes of Wilson,
Nudd, Heapes and Warwick etc., all tried to cast the furthest, all good
clean fun but you could tell everyone wanted to be the winner.
In the end Frank Warwick won, just pipping John Wilson into second place.
BUT guess who came first in the non-celeb category - our very own Andrew
Kennedy! In his typical quiet, understated manner, Andrew explained that
if I needed to contact him, his agent would be willing to make me an appointment
- what's he like! Seriously though, congratulations to Andrew, a worthy
winner and a thoroughly nice chap. Just wait until next year...
I didn't watch many of the fly-casting displays on the river, apart from
the weather - anyone who can cast a fly into the wind with their left
hand whilst holding a microphone in their right hand, hold a conversation
with the crowds and pose for photographs, all at the same time, is well
out of my league - I'm just happy if the fly lands on the water!
But
I did manage to catch up with super-chef Martin Griffiths who cooked some
wonderful fish dishes and judging by the audience's response, his food
was a great success. I can say the seared swordfish was fabulous!
Throughout both days there was plenty of forums and demonstrations to
see. I was very impressed by all the fly-tiers who make their art look
so easy, until you try it for yourself.
Of course there were celebs aplenty... and they all had time for a chat
or to pose for photographs. Whilst I was talking to John Wilson (who was
already late for his next appearance 
at
a forum), John signed autographs and posed with his adoring fans, it's
only when you get up close that you realise just how professional these
guys are.
It was a very enjoyable event as ever, despite the rain and mud, it's
something that keeps me going throughout the season, my only regret is
that it's not held twice a year. Still there's always the Country Fair
later on.
Hopefully see you there!
Kind regards
Kevin Miles
Editor