World Predator Classic 2019 Official Magazine

FULL WPC COMPETITORS LIST FULL PRIZE TABLE 2019

HOW THE METZ WAS WON ..

REVIEW OF 2019

PLUS! WPC CHAMPS WILL FISH WITH FISHING LEGEND MIKE IACONELLI

20 QUESTIONS WITH THE LEGEND The Bassmaster Champion gets a good grilling

38 METZ: FULL OF

SURPRISES A few pointers on what to expect when fishing the Metz waters

94

30 MIKE IACONELLI:

INSIDE

IT’S ALL INSIDE YOUR WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC MAGAZINE!

WHAT A MARVEL!

2018 SF Champion,Vince Payro, will take on any type of predator ... as long as it swims

WPC INFO THINGS YOU

SHOULD KNOW...

12 ROLL OF HONOUR After going for six years, the WPC recognises our past victors to date

6 THE STREETS

JUST GOT COOLER Quantum introduce 4Street, a tailor-made range of products to suit the needs of street fishing 6 2019 PRIZE TABLE

83 STREET FISHING

SPECIAL Your complete guide to the 2018 Street Fishing Event in Hellevoetsluis

Our biggest prize table yet is up for grabs ..You know you want it!

20 THE NEW HYBRID

Introducing Hybrida’s new official lure for the WPC 2019

28 JOIN THE

MAJOR LEAGUE OUR BEST PRIZE EVER .. THE NITRO Z18 COULD BE YOURS!

51 2019 ITINERARY 56 WPC19 PARTICIPANTS

Find out who you’ll be challenging for this year’s title

66 OFFICIAL GUIDE MAP TO THE EVENT

The zones, the sponsors and where the party’s happening

83 2019 METZ REVIEW

Round-up of this year’s World Street Fishing Event

128 ANYTHING FOR A LAUGH! Classic 2018 moments

3

WELCOME FROM EVENT FOUNDER ROSS HONEY

Welcome..

to the 2019 World Predator Classic

‘‘

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I welcome everyone to Hellevoetsluis for this sixth running year of the event.

and coordination necessary for it to be a success and I’m very proud of what we achieve together.

Of course, there are many good people working to that affect who are not in the public eye and work behind the scenes, as well as stewards and not to mention the many other people involved too. In whatever capacity you are here for the event, I wish to express my gratitude for helping to make it a very special occasion!

Good luck to everyone taking part in this competition and if you fish well, with a little good fortune on your side too, we may just meet on stage to celebrate your fine achievement.

TOURNAMENT FOUNDER

‘‘

My father taught me a great lesson “do what you say you are going to do, or don’t say it”

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

The competition has come a long way from the inaugural event staged here, and as it continues to evolve, you’ll be happy to learn that this year we have the biggest prize table ever, which includes a fully rigged Nitro z18 – the official boat of the Major League fishing in the USA. I set out to establish the WPC as a world class event and we are progressing step by step to achieve this with the quality of the prizes, the high standard of competitors and the boats used and with world class brands supporting the event.

This year, we are delighted to welcome a lot of representation on site from the USA whose brands are supporting the event and this is set to continue increasingly for next year’s event.

In addition, the WPC 2019 Champions will win tickets to the USA with accommodation and entry to ICAST, where they will meet the USA angling superstars and then participate in the innovational launch event of the Angling Super Cup fishing with Mike Iaconelli at Big lake Toho. The winners of the event this year will need to make sure that they keep the 10th-14th of July free in their diary, as those are the dates they will be in the America.

This was the reason behind the creation of the WPC, to establish a toplevel European team each year to take on the Top Americans in a USA v Europe event – similar to the Ryder Cup in Golf.

The event will be strongly linked to grass roots angling, encouraging the next generation to enjoy the great outdoors and sports fishing.

On a personal note, the WPC will always be a very special event for me as my father passed away at the start of the competition a few years ago and the last time I had spoken with him was when I was leaving to run the event. I made a promise to him that I would create an angling legacy and I am very proud to be doing so. My father taught me a great lesson “do what you say you are going to do, or don’t say it” As is always the case with events of this size and stature, they require a first class event team to ensure the smooth running

5

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC 2019

PRIZE TABLE

World Predator Classic 2019: PRIZE TABLE

FIRST PRIZE OVERALL n World Predator Classic 2019

Champions’ Title & 2 trophies PLUS! World Predator Classic 2019 Champions’ shirts PLUS.. n Customised Nitro Z18 boat n Mercury PRO XS115 HP* n Lowrance 2 x HDS Live 9” PLUS.. n Flambeau Products; n Quantum Products n Power Pole n Grundens Clothing n Dometic products n A featured review: Your year as Champions in the 2020 Official event magazine PLUS.. n 2 Return Flight tickets to Orlando from a European Hub airport* PLUS! 1 weeks accommodation in Orlando* n 2 Passes to attend ICAST 2019 n 2 places to participate in the Angling Super Cup Launch in Orlando fishing with USA Pro Angler Mike Iaconelli

SECOND PLACE OVERALL n 2 WPC Trophies n Motorguide Xi5 featuring

variable ratio steering

n Lowrance 2 x Elite Ti 7”

PLUS! Lowrance 2 x Total Scan Transducer PLUS..

n Flambeau Products; n Power Pole n Grundens Clothing n Quantum products n Dometic products

THIRD PLACE OVERALL n 2 WPC Trophies n Motorguide Xi5 featuring n Lowrance 2 x Hook 2 5”

FOURTH PLACE OVERALL

FIFTH – TENTH PLACE OVERALL

PLUS..

n 2 WPC Trophies

n 2 WPC Trophies

PLUS.. n Flambeau products n Grundens Clothing n Quantum products n Other sponsors products

n Flambeau products n Grundens Clothing n Other sponsors products

variable ratio steering

n Power pole n Flambeau Products n Dometic products n Grundens Clothing n Quantum products

PLUS..

World Predator Classic 2019: PRIZE TABLE

BOATS, PLANES AND SUPERSTARS

Biggest Catch Overall: For Longest Pike, Zander & Perch n WPC Trophy per

angler per category

n PLUS! Sponsor

products

Sportsmanship Award:

WPC Trophy PLUS..

Sponsors’ Prizes * PRIZES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Team Events (4 anglers) First Prize Overall 4 Trophies and World Predator Classic Team Champion title PLUS.. n Other sponsor products

Second Place Overall 4 Trophies PLUS.. n Other sponsor products

Third Place Overall 4 Trophies PLUS.. n Other sponsor products

It’s America’s best-selling fiberglass bass boat, the official boat of Major League Fishing® and it could be all yours!

The NITRO® Z18 is a champion from bow to stern. New for 2019, we’ve tweaked the design with an angled flush bow graph panel, more leg room under driver console and integrated net stow behind seats.

It is based on our revolutionary NVT™ hull with Rapid Planing System™, giving you a smooth, soft and dry ride along with a brisk holeshot and precise handling when turning and at the top end. The interior of the Z18 is laid out to provide the ultimate in fishability, with Z-Core™ seating system with Force Flex suspension for the most comfortable ride possible.

The Nitro Z18 is the most valuable prize boat ever to be given as a prize at the World Predator Classic. It comes fully loaded with HDS Live Lowrance fish finder/ chart plotters, Power pole, Flambeau storage solutions, Mercury 115XS motor a motor guide trolling motor. The metallic black and red colour scheme is stunning and stands out in the crowd. It will be on display in various locations in Europe prior to the event starting with the European trade show in Brussels.

Expert Tuition:

In addition to winning the boat there will be expert tuition for the winners who will learn how to maximise the incredible performance of this boat.

And of course that is not all! For the 2019 World Predator Classic Champions there is the trip to the USA where they will meet up with the USA angling super stars at ICAST – the world’s biggest angling fishing show and then compete with Mike Iconelli in the launch event of the Angling Super Cup. So its Boats, Planes and Superstars for this years champions!

21

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

NITRO Z18: PRIZE BOAT OF THE WPC 2019

8

MAJOR

BEST PRIZE EVER: THE NITRO Z1

NITRO Z18: Hauptpreis der WPC 2019 With the chance of winning the most valuable main-prize ever in a European predator fishing tournament, Thorsten Trojan – owner of WPC sponsors RheinlandBoote, explains why a cutting edge tournament as the Classic deserves such a cutting edge boat

LEAGUE

18 IS A CHAMPION FROM BOW TO STERN

NITRO Z18: PRIZE BOAT OF THE WPC 2019

C

itius, altius, fortius,” exclaimed Pierre de Coubertin. You do not have to know that. But what the Frenchman with “faster. Higher. Stronger” created, more than 100 years ago, you should: The Olympic Games, as we know them today.

O.K., fishing is certainly not Olympic. That’s for sure. And to appreciate the value of the Olympic idea, it is not important either.

‘‘

The World Predator Classic is probably the most international tournament of its kind in Europe. The field of participants is mixed, the teams are coming together from all directions to that competition.

The ultimate event in the Angling Spirit structure “ The Angling Super Cup”, will be presented for the first time this year in Orlando. It will form a bridge between Europe and the USA. The winners of the WPC automatically become a member of the European Squad to take on the very best that America has in a Europe v USA Ryder cup style event.

The Angling Super Cup will link grass roots angling to the stars of today and in doing so promote best practice catch and release angling with respect for the environment and Honour at the core. An angling legacy: It is the first global fishing competition of its kind ever. Its origin is the WPC – in Hellevoetsluis Holland.

“Fairness counts” - and thus back to the Olympic Charter. It is important, that participants also compete and interact fairly. Again Coubertin, who put it this way:

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

“The most important thing is not the victory, but the participation, as well as the most important thing in life is not victory but the pursuit of your goals.The most important thing is not having conquered but to have fought well”

10

At a time, when the quality of international relations seems to be cooling and a time in which we hear daily about crisis, divisions and protectionism.

When distance rises: it is the sport, even our anglingsport, that can set signs.

That is very olympic. Namely fair. And fair means decent. You stick to the rules. You should see the other anglers not just as an opponent, but as a friend.

Supporting the most international tournament and all athletes is very close to our hearts. And with that, we – team RheinlandBoote – are not alone.

Again, there is a “together” – just as with other partners in the boat fishing industry.

With the NITRO Z18, we are sponsoring a bulletproof competition boat for the winners of the WPC. The boat has travelled a lot. Like no other boats, NITROS are designed for fishing and have been tested in numerous tournaments.

We believe ... No other boat could better symbolize the idea of ​​a sporting competition among fishing friends. With the chance of winning the most valuable main-prize ever in a European predator fishing tournament, we’re really looking forward to a cutting-edge tournament. With full commitment against, but above all, full commitment with each other. Take care of yourselves!

C

“citius, altius, fortius”, rief Pierre de Coubertin einst aus.

Das muss man nicht wissen.

Was der Franzose mit „Schneller.

Höher. Stärker“ vor über 100 Jahren erschuf aber schon: Die olympischen Spiele, wie wir sie heute kennen.

Nun wird der Angelsport sicher nicht olympisch.

So viel ist sicher. Und um den Wert des olympischen Gedankens zu erkennen, ist das auch nicht wichtig.

Die World Predator Classic ist das wohl

internationalste Turnier seiner Art auf Europäischem Boden. Das Teilnehmerfeld ist bunt gemischt, die Teams kommen aus allen Himmelsrichtungen im sportlichen Wettkampf zusammen.

Mit dem „Super Angling Cup“, der in diesem Jahr erstmals als PR-Event in Orlando vorgestellt und ab nächstem Jahr zur Verlängerung der WPC in die USA wird, entsteht der erste globale Angelwettkampf überhaupt. Die Gewinner der WPC werden künftig automatisch Mitglieder des „Team Europa“. Seinen Ursprung hat der Cup in der WPC – in Hellevoetsluis, Holland. „Fairness zählt“ – und damit zurück zur olympischen Charta. Es ist wichtig, dass die Teilnehmer auch im Wettstreit zusammenhalten und fair miteinander umgehen. Nochmal Coubertin, der das so ausdrückte: „Das Wichtigste ist nicht der Sieg, sondern die Teilnahme, wie auch das Wichtigste im Leben nicht der Sieg, sondern das Streben nach einem Ziel ist.

Das Wichtigste ist nicht erobert zu haben, sondern gut gekämpft zu haben“ In einer Zeit, in der sich die Qualität internationaler Beziehungen abzukühlen scheint, in der wir täglich über Krisen, Entzweiung und Protektionismus hören. Wo Distanz entsteht: Da ist es der Sport, auch unser Angelsport, der Zeichen setzen kann. Und das ist sehr olympisch. Nämlich fair. Und fair bedeutet anständig.

Man hält sich an die Regeln. Man sieht den anderen Sportler nicht nur als Gegner, sondern als Freund.

Das internationalste Turnier und alle Sportler zu unterstützen, ist uns folglich eine Herzensangelegenheit. Und damit sind wir – das Team RheinlandBoote – nicht alleine. Auch hier gibt es ein „Zusammen“ – eben mit anderen Partnern der Bootsangelbranche.

Mit dem NITRO Z18 sponsorn wir ein echtes Wettkampf-Boot für die Sieger der WPC. Das Boot ist wahrlich weit gereist. Wie kaum ein anderes Boot sind NITROS konsequent für die Angelei entwickelt und in zahlreichen Turnieren erprobt.

Wir glauben: Kein anderes Boot könnte die Idee des sportlichen Wettstreits unter AngelFreunden besser symbolisieren. Mit der Chance auf den wertvollsten, jemals in Europa auf einem Angelturnier ausgelobten Hauptgewinn überhaupt, freuen wir uns auf ein spanendes Turnier. Mit vollem Einsatz gegen- aber vor allem mit-einander. Passt auf Euch auf! n Thorsten Trojan RheinlandBoote: (Nitro, Ranger, Tacker Dealer Germany &

‘‘

Like no other boats, NITROS are designed for fishing and have been tested in numerous tournaments

12

2014-2018

WPC ROLL OF HONOUR

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

World Predator Classic ROLL OF HONOUR

As the World Predator Classic reaches it's sixth year, it seems only right to look back at the successes and honour those anglers who pulled out all the stops to be titled WPC Champions.

Congratulations to you all and here's to many more WPC Champions

2015 Overall Champions:

Overall Champions: 2014 Luc Coppens and Jeremy Staverman. This was the first of a consecutive win streak for the Belgian pairing!

Street Fishing Champion: Mark Lubbarts took victory for the Netherlands.

Luc Coppens and Jeremy Staverman – the Belgian pairing bettered their opponents scores on every competition day. The first pair to win two years in a row!

Street Fishing Champion: Michael Bongers – the German won by a long way with 49 points more than second place!

World Predator Classic ROLL OF HONOUR

2018 Overall Champions:

Enrico Di Ventura and Frank Bussmeyer were delighted to win the event in what was was a fiercely contested battle right up until the last few minutes of the event.

Street Fishing Champion: On winning the event Vince Payro said that it was the pinnacle of his fishing career. He added, “I have had so many messages from people, it really makes me appreciate how special it is being a winner of this event�.

2016

2017

Street Fishing Champion: Vitalijs KarpenKovs brought home the street fishing trophy for Latvia winning 11 points ahead of second place!

Street Fishing Champion: Fabian Grafe, the German street fisherman, conquered the 2017 competition and took first place proudly. A well deserved win.

Overall Champions: Markku Tiusanen and Antti Anttila set a goal and smashed it! Coming from the Finnish qualifier to winning the 2016 event with a whopping 545cm of Zander, they were ahead of their competition by a long shot!

Overall Champions: Dustin And Johannes secured first place in the 2017 boat event, putting Germany at the top of the podium yet again.

2018 WPC CHAMPIONS: ENRICO Di VENTURA & FRANK BUSSMEYER

MAGIC MO

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Looking back and re-living that instant they netted the last fish needed, still gives Defending Champions, Enrico Di Ventura and Frank Bussmeyer goose bumps!

14

OMENTS

2018 WPC CHAMPIONS: ENRICO Di VENTURA & FRANK BUSSMEYER

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

‘‘

16

N

ormally, the year starts in January and ends in December, but for Frank and I, things were flipped upside down after winning the World Predator Classic 2018 – for us, our year started all over again on June 16th and kicked off what can only be described as an amazing year.

First of all, we are still so thankful for the generosity of the competing sportsmen and their genuine congratulations after those three exhausting tournament days. The whole experience felt so unreal at that time and still does. After the weeks and months that have passed by, we can say that this win was the start of a great summer.

Frank and I have been taking part in competitions together since 2015 and to be honest, we had to find our way of fishing together – with many disappointing moments and bouts of bad luck. But in the end, we grew as a team, got better and better in finding fish and productive spots and finally had the luck needed to end up on top – not only in the WPC but in other competitions.

To be honest, we never would have imagined or spoken of our ambitions to win a tournament like the World Predator Classic – knowing the field of skilled sportsmen participating. Of course you want to end up as highly ranked as you can, but still, you have to respect the other competitors and be very aware of their skills and tactics.

We had done a lot of preparation

beforehand by scouting spots and trying out many new unknown areas, which as it turned out was the right strategy, so we continued with this for the remaining practise days and throughout the tournament.

I am always very excited before the start of a competition, but on the first day I was very nervous and had some trouble getting into competition mode. I have to admit that it was Frank who saved us on that day, as for whatever reason, I just couldn’t get my head into ‘’Beast mode’.

Frank was so focussed, he managed to catch four fish before I had even one single bite. By the afternoon I began to feel more comfortable and added two more fish to the catch reports. This meant that we had to catch one missing perch to complete our list.

Of course, once again it was Frank who landed that massive one in the last hour of fishing on Day One, so we were more than happy to have completed the fish quota needed.

We had a dream start on Day Two after catching three big perch in the morning, followed by a pike and three zanders before noon – a full card! And we even gained points by replacing all zanders and one perch with

On the first day I was very nervous and just couldn’t get my head into ‘’Beast mode’

‘‘

2018 WPC CHAMPIONS: ENRICO Di VENTURA & FRANK BUSSMEYER

2018 WPC CHAMPIONS: ENRICO Di VENTURA & FRANK BUSSMEYER

MAGIC

MOMENTS

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Metz you can’t wait ... Metz boasts the beautiful Moselle and Seille rivers, canals and over 15km of shoreline intended for anglers

18

‘‘

after two hours of hard work, without speaking, eating or drinking we landed our two zanders … WE DID IT!

bigger fish. These overwhelming catches gave us the total lead after day two, together with the defending champions Dustin Schöne and Johannes Dietel … both of us with 4 Points in total. What an amazing day!

At the start of Day Three, we were a little shocked to see another boat on the spot we had been fishing over the past few days!

And this is where I have to mention the real spirit of sportsmanship this competition brings – fellow competitors, Roman Konopitzky and Michael Harringer, who realised that we were about to go back to that spot again, quickly left and placed their boat 150 meters further down the track, leaving us the spot to fish again … a big fair play move on their part! After 15 minutes, we managed to catch three huge perch, followed by an extremely important pike and one zander.

Due to the bad fishing conditions, with almost no wind and the sun belting down, the zanders were suddenly gone and it looked like that wasn’t going to change any time soon. So we played our last card by driving half an hour to our final spot on that day.

And the rest is history … after two hours of hard work, without speaking, eating or drinking we landed our two zanders … WE DID IT! Looking back and re-living that moment of netting the last fish needed still gives me goose bumps!

As an angler, there is no higher goal to reach than winning the World Predator Classic! And since becoming Champions, there have been so many positive moments for us.

We joined the Wiley X Elite Team – which is an absolute honour; Jacco Willemsen from Navionics gave us a helping hand, whenever needed; foreign magazines and media asked for interviews and we’ve been invited to fair trades all over Germany to share the fantastic experiences we made during the World Predator Classic.

And if that wasn’t enough, I ended 2018 with a new personal best pike of 129,5cm. A perfect way to close an unforgettable fishing year. n ENRICO Di VENTURA

WPC CHAMPION 2018

WPC OFFICIAL LURE: CREATED BY HYBRIDA

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

THE NEW

20

HYBRID

INTRODUCING HYBRIDA’S SECOND S

H

ybrida proudly presents it’s second edition WPC-lure exclusively for participants of this year’s World Predator Classic here in Hellevoetsluis.

Gregor Babiarz, chief and founder of “Hybrida” has chosen the “U1Crankbait” this year for WPC’s special lure. “U1-Crankbait” should imitate the prey fishes at Hellevoetsluis’ waters perfectly. By the way, do you know, that the WPC’s special edition are collector’s items already? :-) They will catch not only predators, they get also the angling guys, caused by the attractive design, the good quality and the operating characteristics.

The “Hybrida” story ..

For more than 15 years there has been a little lure building factory in the Black Forest. This little factory has developed into to a well-established company on the lure market. The erstwhile insiders’ tip has grown up to a well-known brand. The “Hybridas” are used not only in Europe, but also in a lot of countries beyond the equator.

In the beginning, anglers asked for little lures, that weren’t offered on the market. This is the reason why Gregor Babiarz (founder of the brand “Hybrida”) started to create his own lures - carved of Balsawood. And it turned out that Gregor is very talented, because in the circle of angling experts these lures were soon considered as an

insider tip. Therefore, Gregor evolved more and more to become a specialist in lure building and now creates many new lures. The most important thing for Gregor, is still to orient himself on nature. Encouraged by the feeling of the success, in 2004 he decided to devote himself full time to what he loved doing best and established his company – the brand “Hybrida”.

As always, there were little setbacks along the way – but in these negative moments, Gregor always found a positive side. For example, the change from carved lures (only a low output of lures – the request was much higher than the output) to produce lures with a special foam plastic (higher output), was such a positive result. Using the

WPC OFFICIAL LURE: CREATED BY HYBRIDA

D

SPECIAL EDITION WPC 2019 LURE special foam plastics and the special coats are the base of high-quality lures in a bigger production output.

Various factors such as differences in temperature in the environment, bonding properties of paints and primers to the density of the water in which the lure should work, were constant companions in the early day’s of Gregor’s self-imposed apprenticeship years. Even the machines that he uses in his small factory today are in-house developments that allow him to work more efficiently than with the carving knife. When it comes to fishhooks, “Hybrida” relies on VMC’s years of experience right from the start. Here “Hybrida” has found a reliable partner

who cooperates flexibly and technically at the highest level.

The developments of the company’s boss quickly gained them a growing, regular clientele. A big plus here is the willingness to talk between Gregor, his team of anglers and the anglers the lures are finally made for. The desires and reviews of anglers are taken seriously at “Hybrida” and, if feasible, will be considered. It’s this flexibility that “Hybrida” is now known for being able to build special models and/or special colours for various companies all over the world.

Examples of this are, the “Zanderkönig”, created for the Paul Parey Verlag, the now legendary B1 in “Uli Beyer Spezial Edition” or the U1

Firetiger for “Lieblingsköder”.

Is this possible with lures from overseas? Obviously, “Hybrida” could certainly be produced in large quantities in other countries as well, but Gregor is reluctant to do so – because then he couldn’t guarantee the current high quality of his “Hybridas”.

“Hybrida” now has over 16 different models in all sorts of flavours on offer. The classics such as the “Hybrida” B1, B3, U1, K3 or K1 are in a constant development in which new decorations and designs are created.

The launch of “K5” will be coming soon – it’s the big toy for big boys, so please be curious...

Tight Lines

MERCURY OUTBOARDS: POWERHOUSE BEHIND CHAMPIONS

MERCU THE POWERHOUSE BEHIND

24

Mercury Pro XS is the only choice for serious anglers .. blast out of the hole and get on plane quickly. Find the fish faster. Take home the trophy

‘‘

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Leader of the pack ... Mercury’s new 400 hp Verado

M

ercury outboard engines deliver the performance and reliability champion anglers demand.

Veteran professionals and local tournament anglers alike understand the benefit of running out front, and Mercury outboards are designed to deliver the power it takes to lead the way. Every Mercury outboard – from the most powerful Mercury Pro XS models to Mercury Pro Kicker auxiliary outboards to our compact-andversatile portable models – is engineered to deliver season after season of reliable service, to keep you on the water chasing the fish.

The most exciting news from Mercury Marine is the debut of the all-new 4.6L V8 Mercury Pro XS models. These powerhouse outboards are packed with technology to deliver stronger acceleration, amazing top speed, and outstanding efficiency. These new thoroughbred Pro XS models join a Mercury lineup that also includes the Verado 400, a new leader in the saltwater tournament segment, and the new Mercury 5 hp Propane FourStroke model.

Here’s a review of Mercury new top performering outboards designed to keep anglers out front and winning.

V8 Pro XS When speed and acceleration matter most, Mercury Pro XS is the only choice for serious anglers. Blast out of the hole and get on plane quickly. Find the fish faster. Take home the trophy. Serious power for serious anglers – or anyone with a deep-seated need for speed.

The powerful new 4.6L V8 Pro XS outboards represent the new generation of tournament-winning

performance from Mercury Marine. Offered at 200 hp, 250 hp and 300 hp, each is based on Mercury’s new 64-degree vee, dual-overhead-cam, V8 engine platform, and boasts a class-leading 4.6-liter powerhead that delivers phenomenal torque while weighing just 505 pounds/229 kg.

During performance testing, the 250 hp Pro XS set new standards for high-performance outboards, outpacing the leading competitor by 20 percent for heavy-load 0-20 mph acceleration and one mile-perhour faster top speed, all while delivering up to 16 percent better fuel economy at cruise. This means unrivaled performance for the elite fisherman and an engine that provides the confidence necessary to ensure a championship weekend.

The 200-300 hp Pro XS models also feature a robust 1.25-inch diameter prop shaft and the next-generation Torque Master gearcase, which offers a 1.75:1 gear ratio and low-water pickups on the nosecone for added mounting and trimming flexibility.

The cam’s drive chain runs in an oil bath and never needs maintenance. And the “lash for life” valvetrain is designed to never require adjustment; it’s set forever at the factory. The lightweight cowl is formed of low-density sheet molding compound (SMC) for impressive strength-to-weight performance.

Pro XS V8 Features: n Choice of digital or mechanical controls: Available for 200-300 hp Pro XS models. n 87 Octane: The V8 Pro XS models deliver peak performance and reliability on regular unleaded 87-octane fuel. n Advanced Range Optimization: This uses a closed-loop fuel control to precisely and automatically adjust the fuel mixture to deliver the best possible fuel efficiency. n Idle Charge battery management: When battery voltage is low, the engine will automatically increase idle RPM to boost alternator output and recharge batteries to the proper level, protecting operators from draining their battery while trolling. n Adaptive Speed Control: Pro XS outboards automatically maintain a desired rpm regardless of changes in load, resulting in increased throttle response and a “sportier” feel for the driver. n Electronic Oil Level Sensor: Optional electronic oil level sensor automatically alerts operator to low oil level. n Top Cowl Service Door: Simplifies routine maintenance with easy oil checks and oil fills without removing the cowl. The Top Cowl Service Door also houses the latch release and a carrying handle. n Alternator output is 85 amps, with 20 amps available at idle. n Electro-hydraulic power steering is optional. n Easy Maintenance: A graphic, hour-based maintenance decal, no-spill oil drain and filter, colorcoded maintenance points, and Mercury’s maintenance-

MERCURY OUTBOARDS: POWERHOUSE BEHIND CHAMPIONS

URY CHAMPIONS

MERCURY OUTBOARDS: POWERHOUSE BEHIND CHAMPIONS Mercury 5 hp Propane FourStroke: A New Fuel Option The new Mercury 5 hp Propane FourStroke runs on clean-burning propane fuel to deliver nohassle portability, reliability and convenience.

With a generous 123cc displacement, the new 5 hp FourStroke Propane outboard offers best-in-class power by delivering a true 5 hp.

Starting at just 59.5 pounds (27.2 kilograms) the 5 hp Propane FourStroke is light and easy to carry or transport.

It’s powered by the same conventional propane fuel used for cooking and heating, so there’s no gasoline to transport with the engine. Unlike gasoline, propane doesn’t degrade with age and the pressurized fuel system eliminates priming, making the outboard a breeze to start. A manual choke enriches the fuel-to-air ratio for fast and reliable starts, particularly when the engine is cold. Auto decompression reduces the pull force when using the starter rope.

With a safety-first approach, the outboard comes standard with a propane auto shutoff valve on the engine and in the fuel hose connector.

The standard 6-foot (1.8-meter) fuel hose threads quickly and easily to the outboard, and comes with a standard US POL connector on the tank side. A 20-pound (5-gallon) tank of conventional propane provides approximately 10 hours of boating at full throttle.

The 5 hp Propane FourStroke sports an easy-to-reach shift lever on the engine and has six tilt positions, with a shallow-water drive to set the outboard where you need it.

The standard Mercury 5 hp Propane FourStroke model is available in 15-inch (381 mm), 20-inch (508-mm) and 25inch (635-mm) lengths. The available Sail Power version is equipped with a 4-amp/50-watt alternator charging system, as well as reverse-thrust exhaust relief and a high-thrust propeller for improved slowspeed handling and control.

Clean living..

The new Fourstroke runs on clean-burning propane fuel that delivers reliability and convenience

26

THE POWER OF

MERCURY

free valvetrain all make owning the new V8 engines a stress-free experience.

The Mercury Pro XS line also includes highperformance four-cylinder outboards designed to meet the performance demands of anglers fishing from smaller boats on smaller water.

150 Pro XS On freshwater or salt, bass rigs or skiffs, the Mercury 150 hp Pro XS is tuned to take mid-size boats to the limit.

A 3.0L inline four-cylinder powerhead offers the most displacement and the lowest weight (456 pounds/207 kg) in the 150 hp category. A durable and proven 4.8-inch gearcase with four front water pickups provides the flexibility to mount the engine higher, install a jack plate, or trim more aggressively to maximize top-speed performance. A 5200-6000 wide-open-throttle rpm range permits the use of a wider selection of prop pitches, so you can choose to prop for hole shot or top speed.

Transient Spark technology optimizes timing to boost torque during acceleration, and the 2.08:1 gear ratio transmits more torque at the prop shaft. The low weight and generous displacement contribute to unmatched hole shot on a wide variety of boats. A best-in-class 60-amp alternator keeps up with electronics, lights, aerator pumps and audio systems, and the Idle Charge low-voltage battery-management system automatically boosts idle speed and alternator output to recharge boat batteries to the proper level.

115 Pro XS Here’s a performance outboard that punches way above its weight class. Our 2.1L inline four-cylinder 115 hp Pro XS offers more displacement and lighter weight than any other motor in its class.

It’s the perfect match for compact bass, multispecies, flats and bay boats, as well as pontoons. This

‘‘

high-performance outboard extends wide-open throttle rpm to 5300-6300 to offer a broad range of prop pitch options to match almost any boat size and weight. Idle Charge low-voltage batterymanagement provides up to 48 percent more battery charging at idle speed to support the greater power demands of today’s sophisticated marine electronics and accessories.

Available with a 20- or 25-inch shaft, the 115 Pro XS is an ideal option to power or repower a wide range of boats. The available Command Thrust gearcase can accommodate up to 16-inch diameter propellers that help the engine deliver improved performance, lift heavy boats onto plane easier and hold them there at lower speeds.

The New 400 hp Verado More Verado muscle ..

Meet the new leader of the Mercury Verado team.

The new 400 hp Verado offers maximum power and features for offshore angling and the largest freshwater fishing boats.

Like the 350 hp Verado and Mercury Racing 400R outboards, the 400 hp Verado features a coolair intake tract and a water-cooled supercharger to boost the output of the 2.6-liter inline-six-cylinder powerhead.

The Advanced MidSection isolates the powerhead from the boat for incredibly smooth and quiet operation, and is compatible with the optional Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) for multi-engine installations. The 400 hp Verado is standard equipped with digital throttle and shift controls and electro-hydraulic power steering providing smooth effortless control.

Idle Charge battery management automatically increases idle rpm to boost alternator output and recharge low batteries to the proper level, providing extra battery protection while trolling and operating electronic devices. Weighing just 668 pounds/303 kg the 400 hp Verado is also the lightest outboard in the 400-plus-horsepower category by nearly 300 pounds.

Optimized guide plates give the 400 hp Verado superior handling at high speeds, which means you’ll have greater confidence in hard-running situations. Equipped with the 5.44-inch HD (heavy duty) gearcase with a 1.75:1 gear ratio, the 400 hp Verado is available in Phantom Black and Cold Fusion white.

The new 400 hp Verado offers maximum power and features for offshore angling and the largest freshwater fishing boats

BASSMASTER: 20 QUESTIONS WE ASKED Mike Iaconelli

4. What was the biggest bass you’ve ever caught?

I caught a 14-1 on the second day of practise at the Elite Series on Lake Amistad in 2006.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch her again in the tournament! My biggest in a tournament also came at Amistad – in 2008. That fish weighed 1213, and I caught it on a football jig.

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

5. What do you love most about bass fishing?

The thing that stands out to me is that bass fishing is a puzzle. It’s constantly changing and never the same twice. It’s a Rubik’s Cube; you solve one side and then another. You don’t always figure out the entire thing, but it’s motivating to keep trying.

Mike Iaconelli has truly done it all in the world of professional bass fishing.

He’s a former Bassmaster Classic Champion, a Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year and a B.A.S.S. Nation Championship winner – the only angler who can boast all three. He’s won more than $2.2 million in prize money and weighed in more than 100 pounds in a tournament.

Here’s answers to our 20 Questions …

1. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Philadelphia, but I grew up in Runnemede, N.J. 2. How did you get started in bass fishing?

I got involved in fishing through my family; they all fished. We caught lots of trout and crappie and bluegill. It was kind of an accident that I got involved in bass fishing. When I was 11 or 12 years old, I was casting a Rapala floating minnow in the Pocono Mountains and caught a 2 1/2 - 3 pound bass on it. I’ve been hooked ever since.

3. Who were some of your earliest fishing heroes?

My first two fishing heroes were my grandfather (“Pop”) and my uncle Don. I looked up to them as anglers and wanted to catch fish the way they did.

Later, when I was 13 or 14 and had joined B.A.S.S. and started watching The Bassmaster on TV, I really admired Denny Brauer, Rick Clunn and Gary Klein. I even tried to emulate their fishing styles.

6. Where is your favourite place to fish for bass and why?

Lake Champlain is a very special place. It has a lot of history for me. It was one of the first big lakes I ever fished when my bass club went there in 1991.

I also won my first big professional tournament there in 1999 (the Vermont Bassmaster Top 150).

It’s one of the most dynamic big fish lakes in the country. You can catch a 5 pound largemouth on one cast and a 4 pound smallmouth on the next.

The Delaware River is obviously a favourite of mine too. Not only because I won there, but because it’s where I cut my teeth and what I consider my home body of water.

7. Who has been the biggest influence in your fishing career?

From the standpoint of wanting to fish and eventually wanting to make a career of it, it would be my grandfather and Uncle Don. But from a career standpoint, it would have to be my friend Pete Gluzek. I really looked up to him early in my career, not just in terms of fishing skills, but also because of his knowledge and understanding of the fishing business. He taught me a lot about gaining sponsorships and how to conduct myself in the industry, He has been a really big mentor for me.

8. When did you realise you had “made it” in the bass fishing industry?

There were a few. One was when I won the Bassmaster Classic in 2003, but the first was when I won the Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Seminole. That was an important moment for me because the tournament was in the South – I didn’t live around there and wasn’t a favourite to do well.

It also gave me an opportunity to be myself on national television.

But my win on the Delaware River in 2014 was one of the most amazing things in my entire career. That has become a huge moment, winning in front of my home crowd. It’s really special.

9. What goals have you yet to accomplish in your fishing career?

I want to win another Bassmaster Classic, another Angler of the Year Award, another tournament.

I’m a competitive person and that stuff keeps me going, but if it all went tomorrow, I’d be very happy with what I’ve accomplished in my fishing career.

I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do. When I see my Nation Championship trophy next to the Classic and AOY trophies, I still get chills.

Another thing for me has become the success of the Ike Foundation that Becky and I launched – getting kids out fishing. When its all said and done, and I’m not competing anymore for whatever

ALL ABOUT

BASSMASTER: 20 QUESTIONS WE ASKED Mike Iaconelli

that I’m a pretty regular guy most of the time. And I go to flower shows and do family stuff whenever I can.

14. If you could do one thing over in your career, what would it be?

Early in my career, I tried to fit in. I tried to change who I was in order to become a professional angler. I don’t really want to go back and change anything, but it was a mistake to do that.

15. What is the best advice you ever received in your career?

It wasn’t necessarily career advice – it was more life advice. From an early age, I had a strong work ethic instilled in me by my family, especially my mom and uncle Don. They always told me to work hard and do my best. My main strengths in fishing have come from that.

16. What is your greatest strength as a professional angler?

I think I have two. The first is my work ethic. I fish dark to dark in practise, I do a tremendous amount of preparation before each tournament and I stay focused and organised. My other strength is versatility. A lot of people might not think growing up in New Jersey is a good way to pick up skills as a bass angler, but it helped me be versatile. As a professional angler, it’s good to have strength, but you must be versatile to be consistent.

17. What is your greatest weakness as a professional angler?

Fishing in deep water – 30 feet and deeper – is definitely a weakness for me. Another are I need to improve on is sight fishing. I travel with two of the best sight fishermen in the world – Ish Monroe and John Crews – but I really need to work on it.

18. What question do you get asked the most by your fans and how do you answer it?

The question is: “What makes the Elite anglers so good?” And I tell them that bass fishing is like a puzzle. The Elite anglers are the best in the world at figuring out that puzzle. When they catch bass, they ask why and come up with the answers so they can catch more. reason, our hope is that it will still be going. I’m more proud of that than anything.

10. What are we doing right as a sport?

The biggest thing is that we’re attracting new people to fishing – especially young people.

Through my travels I’ve seen more kids fishing lately than I’ve seen in a long time. We’ve got to get new people involved.

11. What is the biggest challenge we face as a sport?

Getting people involved and making them aware of the opportunities for fishing that are out there.

You don’t have to live on a giant reservoir to be an angler. The opportunities are everywhere and we need to educate people about them. It’s easy to find places to fish if you live in Alabama, Texas or California, but if you live in a more urban place, it’s not as easy. We need to give children that first experience of fishing. There’s a lot of kids in grade school – a critical age – who have never been fishing and we need to make sure we let them try.

12. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?

‘‘

Fishing in deep water is definitely a weakness for me.

Another are I need to improve on is sight fishing

I’ve made some mistakes, but I’ve learned from them and I think when you do that you become a better person. Almost everyone in the industry goes through some financial challenges, but those aren’t unique to bass fishing. I was lucky to have the support of my family and friends and some things happened at the right time – just when I needed them or when I could make the most of them.

13. What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

People expect a certain personality out of me all the time. I meet people in restaurants or at an airport and they seem to think I’ll be screaming and jumping up and down. They don’t understand

19. Do you have any fishing superstitions?

Actually, I have a couple. The first has to do with the number of rods on my deck in the morning.

I’m a guy who usually has a lot of rods out there because I do a lot of junk fishing, but I never have an odd number on the deck. It might be four or it might be 18, but it will never be three or 17. My other superstition has to do with clothes. If I’m going good, I’ll keep wearing a piece of clothing. In 2006, when I won AOY, I wore the same cap every day. I do it with socks or shoes, too. And if things go bad, I’ll change everything up. The exception is underwear … I always change my underwear.

20. When it’s all over how do you want bass fishing to remember you?

I have some detractors out there, but I hope that everyone who knows me – whether they like me or not – understands that I love this sport and that I work very hard to grow and improve it. If people realise that, then I’m happy. If you fast forward 20 years and you could see that I was part of getting more kids and more new people fishing, then I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.

T THE BASS n Article & pictures courtesy of Bassmaster.com

BORN IN JOHNNY MORRIS BASS PRO SHOPS: THE AMERICAN DREAM

HOW THE BASS PRO SHOPS EMPIRE HAS GONE

The story begins... Johnny with his father John A. Morris

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

J

32

ohnny (John L) Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, started out 1972 by selling fishing tackle out of the back of his father’s store. Since then, he has earned a reputation as one of the most visionary and influential retailers of the last 50 years. Today Johnny is known as a retail and travel destination pioneer.

From the beginning, Johnny’s values were strongly shaped by his parents.

Both were born in 1911 to very humble beginnings in the heart of the Ozarks in Willard, Missouri.

His father John A. Morris grew up poor and was raised primarily by his Great Aunt. A decorated World War II veteran, he proudly served his country and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.

Afterward he returned home to Missouri and became a successful merchant in the Springfield area.

Johnny’s Parent’s both loved to hunt and fish and soon shared their passions with their son. These childhood outdoors experiences with family helped define his lifelong passion for nature and from an early age, Johnny understood how fishing and hunting fostered a special respect and appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Johnny fell in love with the emerging sport of bass fishing and spent five years on the professional circuit. After noticing growing interest in the sport, Johnny started Bass Pro Shops with eight square feet of space in the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Mo., the company’s sole location for the first 13 years of business. Johnny’s passion for the outdoors and his feel for the products and shopping experiences desired by outdoor enthusiasts helped transform the industry.

Today, the company has grown to become one of the largest outdoor recreational organisations in North America incorporating the White Water Marine Group, Big Cedar Lodge and more recently the successful outfitters, Cabela’s.

White River Marine: America’s Drawing its name from the magnificent river flowing through the Ozarks, where Johnny Morris grew up, White River Marine Group™ is the world’s largest builder of fishing and recreational boats by volume.

Together, White River Marine and Bass Pro Group have a rich heritage in Missouri and Arkansas and share a long history of gamechanging innovations and quality products.

Noteworthy milestones include producing the first ready-to-fish boat, motor and trailer package, creating the modern bass boat and helping to pioneer sportfishing boats that were more accessible to anglers and their

families. Not to mention multiple CSI awards for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction.

From tournament bass angling to Great Lakes walleye runs, wakeboarding to entertaining family and friends, bays to bluewater, White River Marine boats are designed and developed by boaters and anglers to ensure every model is ready for many years of on-the-water adventures.

Our Mission ..

To manufacture and distribute quality boats, offering excellent performance, innovation and value, and provide a world-class service so that everyone can experience the joy of fishing and boating.

THE USA

E FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

n In 1978, Johnny Morris revolutionized the marine industry when he introduced Bass Tracker, the world’s first “fish ready” professionally rigged and nationally marketed boat, motor and trailer package.

For the first time, fishermen could buy quality fishing boats “factory direct” at tremendous savings, allowing thousands of families to access the water for the first time. The development allowed Tracker to compete aggressively against larger, more established brands. n Tracker has remained the N01 selling fishing boat brand in America and in 2010, Tracker Marine Group became the leading boat manufacturer in the world. n In 2015, the company acquired Fishing Holdings, LLC, a leading manufacturer of premier fishing boat brands, including Ranger, Stratos and Triton along with an industryleading dealer network and formed White River Marine Group.

favourite boats, built in America’s heartland Tracker Marine: A Legacy of Trust ..

Tracker Marine Boat Centers represent the 130-plus Boating Center locations – more than 110 dealerships inside Bass Pro Shops®,Cabela’s® and Tracker Boating Center locations – across North America.

It is the largest volume boat retailer in the world, featuring seven world-class boat brands, including Tracker, Ranger, Nitro and Triton and is also the world’s largest Mercury® outboard retailer. Every location has a Power Pros™ Service Center that offers full-service maintenance and repair for many boat brands.

Unique Shopping Experience Tracker Marine Boat Centers offer boat buyers a one-of-a-kind experience. Our dedication to the outdoors is evident in the highlydetailed, outdoor-themed displays in every outlet and our sales associates are extremely knowledgeable about the products we offer, making them perfect for helping anyone find exactly what they need.

Our aim is and always has been to provide buyers top-quality, full-featured boats at attractive prices, every day, everywhere. The result is that we don’t just sell world-class boats – we sell years and years of outdoor memories, fun and peace of mind.

Retail therapy ... Tracker Marine Centers offer a unique experience

JOHNNY MORRIS BASS PRO SHOPS: THE AMERICAN DREAM

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

.. A natural choice

34

In October 2016, Johnny unveiled the next exciting chapter in Bass Pro Shops’ history – uniting with Cabela’s and bringing together two iconic American outdoor companies with similar humble origins and a shared goal to better serve those who love the outdoors.

Founded in 1961, Cabela’s is a highly-respected marketer of outdoor-related merchandise sold through Cabela’s stores, catalogue business and e-commerce operations and would blend seamlessly with Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group.

“Conservation is at the heart and soul of Bass Pro Shops,” states Morris.

Johnny continues, “Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s share a steadfast belief that the future of our industry and the outdoor sports we love, depends - more than anything else - on how we manage our natural resources. By combining our efforts, we can have a profound positive impact on the conservation challenges of our day and help foster the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”

Big Cedar Lodge: America’s Premier Wilderness Resort Over 30 years ago Morris began development on what is now Big Cedar Lodge – a nature-based, world-class resort, located deep within the Orzak Mountains offering a remote haven of natural beauty that truly brings conservation to life through natureinspired accommodation.

Once occupied by Native Americans for over a century, the land was overtaken by expanding railroads after the turn of the Century, transforming this idyllic setting into a vacation paradise.

In the 1920s, two Missouri natives, business entrepreneur Jude Simmons and Frisco Railroad executive Harry Worman, acquired 300 acres of forest and built lavish country resort homes on the land known as Big Cedar Hollow along the White River. Simmons created a log mansion, while Worman constructed a Tudor-style retreat made of stone and stucco. Both were built with native materials, which are still on display at Devil’s Pool Restaurant and The Worman House.

As travel became more difficult during the Great Depression and the Simmons and Worman families spent less time in their wilderness retreats, they eventually sold the property to a logging firm.

In 1947, Dan Norris, a real estate executive and hotel operator purchased the property adding a lodge, swimming pool and stable, creating Devil’s Pool Guest Ranch. In 1958, the White River was dammed to form Table Rock Lake, setting the stage for the premier wilderness resort, Big Cedar Lodge.

‘‘

In 1987, Johnny Morris purchased the property in and restored the Simmons and Worman buildings to their original prominence and began to build a larger wilderness resort.

Today, Big Cedar Lodge is spread over 4,600 acres in its own wooded hollow. It overlooks the 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake and features a collection of lodges, cottages and cabins rooted in rustic elegance that come with all the modern comforts. The resort also offers four restaurants, a world-class spa, five swimming pools, more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and dynamic land and water adventures ranging from bass fishing, water skiing and lake cruises to campfire wagon tours and horseback riding.

Commitment to conservation ..

As with every project Johnny Morris embarks on, conservation is closest to his heart and Big Cedar Lodge is no exception.

Great pride is taken in our environmental efforts to enhance the beauty of the landscape that surrounds us. Our environmental plan accommodates management practices to promote ecologically sound land management, conservation of natural resources, recycling, composting, water conservation and production through our sustainable gardens.

We’re dedicated to wildlife and habitat management, responsible chemical product use, water management, energy efficiency, waste management, education and outreach.

From creating our own soil to implementing a linen re-use program, our environment is first and foremost in everything we do.

Big Cedar Lodge is a tribute to the magnificence of nature, the solidarity of history and the joy of family n JOHNNY MORRIS

N

ow in its third decade, DUO is a widely recognised brand in Japan's fishing industry, a country largely seen as the pinnacle of lure manufacturing.

DUO's chief designer and current CEO, Mr. Masahiro Adachi is wellknown for keeping true to the height of basic performance and also has a world reputation for producing magnificent lures in which simple beauty is combined with outstanding performance.

Duo's Fang Ops Utilizing DUO’s highly advanced molding technology, the lure designs were headed

by DUO CEO and Chief designer Masahiro Adachi in close collaboration with One Bite One Fishe’s Kazuhiro Uyama, a predator fishing icon, who provided invaluable insight based on his vast global experience and know-how. Contrary to the notion of JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) being associated with finesse usage, Fang Ops lures were created specifically for daring anglers around the world, with a toughness and durability that could match any monster anytime, anywhere. Keeping true to DUO’s motto “There is Only One”, the standard-setting Realis Fang Ops lures will be a must-have for the predator angler going beast mode.

The FangPop

Versatile and Tough. Bring the Beasts up to the Surface!

After conquering shallow and deep waters with Fangbaits, Fang Ops is ready to rule the surface too.

Introducing FangPop, the new topwater master. Even with light twitching, FangPop splashes the water well accompanied by a sweet pop sound to attract the predators to reach out. Versatile enough to be used for GT-style popping, straight fast retrieve as well as staging a crisp walk the dog, FangPop proves it’s all-rounder status. Being fully wired-through at that, it makes it the only one of its kind. Get ready to call the beasts to meet you at the surface.

BRING OUT THE

S T S A BE The Fangbait

The heavy duty weapon for “Going Beast Mode”

What do you tie on your rod when you plan to target a 20kg Papuan Bass, 40kg barramundi or 100kg arapaima? What tackle generates enough confidence to tie it on even when fighting a world class record fish? We offer you the answer – the Fangbait series.

Developed by Kazuhiro Uyama and tested on his many trips to chase the greatest of world’s predators, Fangbait aims to become a staple in “beast hunters” tackle boxes. As a pioneering model for Fang Ops brand, it represents the concept of building some of the toughest lures in the world to the fullest. The tag team of Fangbait SR & DR models has been built to tackle even the largest of the “beasts” guarded by a strong 1.2mm/1.5mm diameter thick

wire running through the whole body. By running the wire through the outer side of the body, we were able to further reduce the plastic usually required around the wire, while increasing the air chamber for more buoyancy. We have also inserted several different sized stainless-steel pins to secure the wire which runs through the body.

This prevents the wire from coming loose, while reducing the weight by trimming the unnecessary meat off the body.

The Fang Shad The Record Breaker!

You know that when the lure puts you on a near record breaking fish during the testing, you are on to something. This outsized shad will find application both for casting as well as trolling and will bring out the all kinds of beasts

The Fang Giant

Enter the Colossus!

When magnum is not enough! While there are number of big baits around the world, this one is not only of monster size, but is ready to handle the monsters. A fully integrated wire system from head all the way to tail makes it ready to tackle any kind of beast. By using an original way to connect the joints, the range of movement of FangGiant was expanded and the swimbait stages an irregular action causing reaction strikes!

The Fang Stick 150

Topwater beast army gets bigger!

A large top water bait built for abuse and complete warfare. No stealth approach needed. Fang Stick is a home wrecker – invasive, loud and more disruptive than an EDM concert. Designed with a powerful glide that displaces more water than a war ship, the hawg caller has a draw-effect that impressed during the first series of tests.

Introducing Duo's range of monster tamers

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

tamers .. but beware of the Fangs!

37

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

REUBEN HEATON: TOTAL WEIGHING SOLUTIONS

38

MADE TO MEASURE

With an increase in catch and release programmes around the world, safe effective weighing and measuring products are a must The Concept: Modern angling requirements for recording captures have now gone beyond simple weigh slings. Conservation, catch and release and data recording are now the core elements that need to be engineered into the products used in this process.

The Reuben Heaton Total Weighing Solutions (TWS) project focuses on developing not only future scale models, but also a complementary range of integrated weighing systems and accessories tailor-made for the weighing, measuring and recording process during fish capture.

TWS works with a wide range of pro-staff, consultants, agents and fieldworkers from both the environmental and angling arenas to develop future-proof weighing products to cope with the external factors affecting the capture and measuring process.

“Every year we see new developments within the various disciplines in angling that require specialist weighing and measuring products. In some cases, the products required are similar too but not the same as the traditional products for others it’s a totally new product. We are

working on products ranging from the general leisure angler looking to record a personal best to the most elite of tournament anglers who rely on accurate weights and measures to make the difference between competing and winning.”.

“Accurate recording of data is easy when working with inanimate objects, there is no movement, no water and not much in the way of external factors to affect results. With angling it’s much more of a challenge the item being weighed is outdoors alive and liable to move at any given point during the recording process.

Through the TWS project, we are setting out to improve the process where we can with products specifically designed to minimise the external factors that can cause error”. Reuben Heaton Managing Director – Andrew Race

Total Weighing Solutions – Worldwide: With an increase in catch and release programmes around the world, safe effective weighing and measuring products are a must.

The TWS project works in conjunction with many organisations and events worldwide such as the World Predator Classic and World Street

Fishing tournaments to develop safe handling processes that can be adopted as standard procedures.

Live coverage of events means that pressure for efficient and safe weighing processes is greater than ever. In addition, many modern fisheries now impose restrictions on handling of fish increasing the pressure for efficient recording that minimises fish handling. The TWS project is designed to target such situations and develop solutions to suit the ever-increasing demand for products in this sector.

During 2019, Reuben Heaton will complete development on and launch a range of fish measures aimed at both pleasure angling and competition level solutions. Products will be available to retailers across Europe in mid to late 2019. n For more information on UK retailers and updates visit www.reubenheaton.com.

For details on agents outside the UK contact Reuben Heaton via info@reubenheaton.com

NITRO BOATS: THE PINNACLE OF QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

WHY N

N

.. IT’S THE OBVIOU

itro boats are designed to be pure fishing machines, suitable for the highest level of tournament competition, so it’s no surprise these boats are the choice of Champions!

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Every NITRO® performance fiberglass fishing boat is built with the utmost care and a dedication to quality that you can see in the fit and finish, feel in the smooth ride and count on for a lifetime.

Thanks to the skill and experience of our master team of fiberglass craftspeople, care is taken at every step in the process to ensure the finest, longest-lasting boat at the best price. These fast, comfortable and highly-fishable boats are designed to help you be the best angler you can be, whether you’re competing in an Elite tournament or just relaxing over a weekend at the lake.

40

Valuable input ... Nitro designers work closely with the best anglers in the world, including Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, Edwin Evers (above)

TR

NITRO

US CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS Designed to the Highest Standards of Quality and care

From the first time a boat or new boat feature is conceived, every step taken by our designers and engineers is carefully planned to ensure that the resulting product performs as intended.

This quality is easy to see when you look at a NITRO up close - from the tight tolerances, to the carpeted compartment interiors, to the deep, rich colors of the gelcoat, and the smooth curves of the NVT hull.

our skilled and dedicated boat makers and to the thousands of people in our company and dealer network who provide support to our customers.

By working hard and working smart, they are delivering the promise of quality and value that has placed NITRO Boats solidly among the leaders in performance fishing boats.

Lean Sigma Methods ..

Continuous Improvement for Increased Quality

WHY NIRO Repeat Industry CSI Awards

For six consecutive years, NITRO Boats has been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). This means that hundreds of feedback surveys, returned by actual purchasers of NITRO fiberglass fishing boats, reported average satisfaction ratings above 90 points on a scale of 100. The CSI award from NMMA is a tribute to

We manufacture our boats using Lean Sigma principles - a method used by the leading automobile, aerospace, and medical companies in the world. Lean Sigma practices allow us to manufacture boats more efficiently, with less waste and more consistent results, to give you a premium quality boat and the peace of mind that comes with it. And our culture of continuous improvement means that we’re always looking for ways to improve the process.

Rugged Construction

Built Tough to Reliably Compete and Win Hand-laid fiberglass hulls are built with engineered, woven fiberglass fabric for strength and chopped fiberglass strand for puncture resistance, and then a custom-molded liner is bonded to the hull to provide longitudinal and transverse supports to the running surface.

Extra-thick, molded knee supports reinforce the transom to hold outboards and shallow-water anchors. n Gelcoated Stringer/Liner System A one-piece system is double-bonded to the hull to produce a unitized structure for strength and durability.

NITRO BOATS: THE PINNACLE OF QUALITY CONSTRUCTION Tried and tested..

Product Manager of MojoBoats, Albin Sharghi, tests out one of their Nitros.

ir Getting thaeck!

Mojo b

Designed with Input from the Best Anglers in the World NITRO® performance fiberglass boats are designed to be pure fishing machines, suitable for the highest levels of tournament competition – NITRO pro anglers have won half of all Bassmaster® Elite tournaments, including the Classic.

Trusted by BassMaster Classic Champions NITRO designers and engineers work closely with the best anglers in the world—Kevin VanDam and Edwin Evers, to name a couple— to constantly rethink and improve every feature of our boats, from hull design to livewells to rod storage. And the next generation of anglers – Ott DeFoe, Josh Bertrand and Jonathon VanDam – keep us on our toes with emerging trends in modern tournament fishing.

NITRO Z18 - The Official Boat of Major League Fishing The NITRO Z18 – the best-selling performance fiberglass fishing boat in America – is the

‘‘

NITRO-Exclusive Performance Innovations The revolutionary NITRO Vortex Technology (NVT™) hull uses a series of parabolic curves, instead of traditional strakes, to provide you with a faster, smoother, and drier hull and ride. When combined with our Rapid Planing System (RPS), you also get a lightning-fast hole shot and improved turning and rough-water performance.

Championship-Level Fishability Perhaps the most important aspect of a NITRO for our Elite pros is the fishability factor.

Every NITRO boat is laid out to do one thing very well – catch fish. Enormous front decks – up to 45 sq. ft. on the Z21 – allow maximum mobility when battling unruly bass and feature low-profile gunnels for ease of skipping, pitching, flipping, or landing fish. With dual 8’ rod storage on most models, in-deck storage holds more rods and gear than you’ll ever need. Our exclusive Guardian™ livewells keep fish alive and healthy all day long, even on hot tournament days in the summer. Plus recessed trolling-motor pedals, heavily-insulated coolers with trash receptacles, and optional removable passenger consoles help keep you and your partner fishing all day long.

And then there’s comfort Anyone who’s been beat up on a long run across the lake knows how important the comfort features of a boat can be. NITRO boats are equipped with NASCAR-style seating to keep you comfortable and secure, and the NVT hull moderates the felt impact of chop, even on rough water. The Z20, Z21, and ZV21 also feature a padded, anti-fatigue bow deck to relieve the foot and ankle strain of long tournament days.

Albin Sharghi and Victor Söderberg from MojoBoats Sweden, will be competing in the WPC again this year and plan to reveal their latest star attraction ... the Nitro Z19.

Founder of MojoBoats Sweden, Robert Bertrandt, set up the boat company back in 2011.

Robert says: “Buying boats from Tracker had a major advantage – they always have an inventory that’s ready to go. As the Tracker brands are sold through the Bass Pro stores in the US, they are always available”.

For five years straight, MojoBoats have won the Tracker International Dealer of the Year Award. So how is it that a little country such as Sweden can sell more boats than Germany, France, Italy, Spain and China and so on?

“First of all, we have a lot of water in Sweden.” says Robert.

“We have 91,000 lakes here and when you add to that the east and west coasts, that’s a lot of water! Fishing is huge in Sweden and it keeps growing.

In the early years, 95% of our sales were Deep V Trackers. Sweden was not ready for the high-performance Nitros just then. But over the last five years, the competitive fishing in Sweden has exploded. This has led to a high demand for high-performance boats like the Nitros and the Rangers.”

Super-skilled fisherman Albin joined MojoBoats in 2017and is a well-known face to the angling community in Scandinavia.

We wish them both the best of luck at this year’s event.

Every NITRO boat is laid out to do one thing very well – catch fish!

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

n Transom Supports Transom knee supports (part of the stringer/ liner system) provide maximum support for the transom.. n Unitized Structure Deck and hull are chemically bonded 360 degrees and mechanically fastened with stainless steel fasteners every 6”. n Foam-Filled Stringer The stringer/liner system and other cavities in the hull are filled with foam for superior safety and level flotation if swamped. n Maximized Fuel Capacity The fuel tank is strategically placed for maximum fuel capacity and better stability and tracking.. n Contoured Balsa Decking The best strength-to-weight ratio encapsulated in fiberglass for a lifetime of durability.

official boat of Major League Fishing. The top angling pros in the world prefer the Z18 for its nimble handling and versatility, and it sports many of the features of the larger boats in the line.

43

BIWAA: OUR PASSION FOR FISHING

TAKE US FOR A BIWAA: A PASSION FOR FISHING! When fishing gets tough and you need a line of products that will get fish to the boat, grab one of the many products we sell and discover the possibilities of what you can achieve.

Our passion for our brand and our drive to innovate and create, is the fuel that drives us. Every product we create and offer to our customer is a reflection of our passion.

Our team is comprised of Anglers from a wide variety of backgrounds, providing insight and feedback that enables us to continue refining existing designs, while making sure we adapt every angler needs.

Our renowned Divinator hybrid lure put Biwaa on the map more than 8 years ago targeting countless species. This lure is now available in 4 sizes and more than 40 colors. We have since grown our catalogue to include over 800 products with different product ranges:

Ultimate Lifelike S-swimming action Swimbaits

S

ince its creation in France in 2008, Biwaa has grown through the creation of innovative designs that target a wide variety of species. Biwaa is now implemented in more than 30 countries, including Europe, USA, Japan and Australia.

Biwaa lures are created from innovative concepts which have been developed in response to real world scenarios that we have encountered on the water.

Our vocation is to manufacture lures that will create opportunities to increase your success and help you catch more fish. Our passion for fishing and our background in manufacturing has created an environment in which we are constantly evolving.

With the top-of-the-line BIWAA hard swim baits, you’ll discover a lifelike S-swimming action –never before seen – capable of making the most pressured fish react under the most trying conditions. To obtain such a high level of colour scheme, each lure follows a multi-layer painting process. Each swimbait is painted one by one and finished with a double layer of varnish.

Solid plastic body: The concept and design of these new swimbaits integrate a solid plastic body.

That is to say, these lures are pretty indestructible and will accompany your success for years Meshed woven fabric: The innovative use of meshed woven fabric gives the swimbaits a really unbeatable and lifelike S-Swimming action. It also gives the lures a durability never reached before.

(Breaking strength of 50 pounds) Premium components: All swimbaits are assembled with top-of-the-line components. The treble hooks are forged with Japanese steel, ultrasharp and black nickel finished. The split rings are stainless steel and pressed to re-enforce their strength.

Realistic photo finish: The BIWAA’s photo finish process starts with pictures, taken in the field, from wild forage fish. Then we reproduce it, in detail, on the surface of the swimbaits to get the best ‘match the hatch’ ever.

Phthalates free formula: The unique ‘phthalates

free’ soft plastic formula developed in the BIWAA ROYAL FACTORY is used for the whole line up of soft baits and of course in the production of SWIMBAITS soft fins.

Craftmanship: To obtain such a high level of colour scheme, each lures follows a multi-layer painting process. Each swimbait is airbrushed one by one and finished with a double layer of varnish.

Venum Soft Bait: Our Soft bait range Venum series demonstrates our passion for insightful design, we have considered every detail to trick the wariest predators.

As versatile as it is detailed, our Venum series can be used with any presentation (Weedless, Ballhead…). All our soft plastic lures use BPA free formula, and our Venum series feature a shrimp based, water-soluble formula that diffuses quickly in water and creates a strong scent trail that activates aggressive feeding behavior in predator species.

BIWAA: OUR PASSION FOR FISHING

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

NEW! SPINJET: Completing our hybrid series, unique in design and superior in attraction, the SPINJET delivers a one-ofa-kind baitfish profile that unleashes tons of vibration and a mouth-watering action.

Built around an internal jighead, the SPINJET features a through-wire construction that is attached to a premium ball bearing swivel with paddle tail, offering a unique Tailspinning action.

Easy to use, with a simple cast and retrieve action, it delivers an impressive strike-to-catch ratio.

The SPINJET comes equipped with two razorsharp hooks, a single top hook and an optional treble hook along the belly.

Finished with a lifelike holographic eye for heightened realism, and available in 7 colors, the SPINJET delivers an unseen presentation that is aimed at catching the attention of all predator fish.

Available 3 sizes, 110mm-18g, 130mm-30g, 150mm-43g, our tailspinner comes with a spare tail.

RAFFAL

Along with the SPINJET, last year we also introduced the new Glider ... the RAFFAL.

The RAFFAL is a glide bait, monoblock, produced from a solid resin with stainless steel wire-thru construction, that guarantees its longevity and enhances its ability to handle larger fish.

The solid body also makes this lure completely silent – perfect for targetting educated fish. Other advantages: Its indestructible construction allows long casts in rocky environments without the fear of breaking it. Its life like design is ensured by the finest decoration process – our Clone Tech photo-realistic technology. As with all our lures, we have designed it to be easy to use, with a gliding action triggered simply by steady retrieve. It can also be fished in a subsurface, walk-the-dog action or jerked in order to give more erratic action.

These types of “gliders” have made their mark in the pike world, and now catch every species of game fish in both fresh and saltwater.

The RAFFAL comes in 7 colors from life like shades such as Roach, pike, Perch or real bass to more flashy decoration like Loro and Fire Tiger color. The RAFFAL is now available in a 4-inch (43g), 5-Inch (60g) and 6-Inch (105g), all lures are delivered with two tournament grade ultra-sharp hooks.

Passion for detail ... this year’s new Spinjet (main image), the Raffal glider (above) and S-Swimming Action (far left) lures have been designed for top-of-the-line performance

n BIWAA distribution for Europe: www.sertfishing.com

45

LAZER SHARP: TROKAR’S COMPETITION LEVEL HOOKS

HOOKED ON EAGLE CLAW’S COMPETITION LEVEL

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

In 2009, Eagle Claw launched its groundbreaking Trokar competition level hooks range at the ICAST international trade show in Orlando Florida. This third tier of hook technology, secured the company’s position as the leading innovator in hook design and ushered in a new era of development.

46

Eagle Claw’s impressive record of manufacture in the angling sector now stretches to more than nine decades and the Trokar project has enabled the company to develop products at the highest level. One biproduct of this extensive development programme is the appearance of the latest technological advances and forward-thinking innovative designs in the company’s other hook brands including Lazer Sharp.

When you are tasked with developing a hook range destined for the highest level of competition, where each hook set can be valued in thousands of dollars, you need to be sure that the resulting levels of performance and reliability are equal to the task.

The latest highly specialised predator angling patterns for 2019 include the Lazer Sharp and Trokar Pro-V Finesse Jig Series and the Trokar Pro-V Bend Finesse Hook. These most eagerly awaited patterns will be available to retailers in mid-2019 and give anglers a new dimension in bait presentation.

The weighted Pro-V Finesse jig hooks offer a new benchmark for finesse fishing techniques including ned-style rigging. Unique design features including the precision moulded keeper and Pro-V bend work together and help to ensure that even the softest of baits are kept in place. The Pro-V bend offers a much stronger wire form than conventional round bend hooks whilst using a medium wire. This combination gives ultimate strength in heavy cover and when striking at distance, but retains the delicate balance of the rig.

‘‘

n Trokar Pro-V Finesse Jig with Weed Guard

The comprehensive Pro-V Finesse jig range is available in both a standard and a weed less version with precision engineered wire weed guard.

The second new predator pattern to be added to the Trokar range is the Pro-V bend Finesse hook. Designed to be the ultimate tool in finesse fishing, the Pro-V Finesse is again available with or without weed guards to take advantage of most conditions from open water to heavy cover. Featuring Trokar’s patented surgically Sharpened Technology ™ (SST) for faster, deeper penetration, the Pro-V bend is specifically designed for holding soft plastics in place when rigging for the latest wacky or neko-fishing methods. The stronger Pro-V bend design ensures the best balance between weight and strength to help present baits in the right way.

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Chris Zaldain, fished with the TK137 Finesse Hook during the 2018 AOY tournament on Georgia’s Lake Chatuge.

“I just weighed the second biggest bag of the tournament” Zaldain said after clinching his 2019 Bassmaster Classic spot, “and I owe it all to the TK137. The really cool thing about this hook is the Pro-V bend. Of course, the Trokar hook point is super sharp, the barb is strong, but that Pro-V Bend is the feature I love on this hook because it keeps the o-ring right where it needs to be when neko-style rigging.”

n Lazer Sharp Pro-V Finesse Jig in Pearl

n Trokar Pro-V bend Finesse Hook with Weed Guard and TK137 Pro-V Bend Hook

The Pro-V Bend is the feature I love on this hook because it keeps the o-ring right where it needs to be when neko-style rigging Chris Zaldain

SUCCESS DEVELOPMENT

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Tuesday, June 25th

n 09:00 – 12:00: BOAT Competitors

Registration

n 15:00 – 15:30: Official participants briefing (Boats) at Cape Helius Hotel

n 18:20 – 19:00: Boat Flag parade (Hellevoetsluis Canal) n 19:50: Official Picture on boats in Hellevoetsluis Canal n 20:00: Official Opening on boats in Hellevoetsluis Canal

Wednesday, June 26th

n 07:00-07:15: Boat Captains’ daily

briefing at Cape Helius Hotel. n 06.45-07:45: Daily Event Boat Check. n 07:45: Boats allowed to leave berth.

n 08.15: Start of Boat Competition at start/finish line. n 16:15: Daily end of Boat Competition and return to start/finish line then return to Marina.

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC

Monday, June 24th n 12:00 – 17:00: BOAT Competitors’ registration. n 19.30 onwards: Welcome reception with catering & entertainment at Citta Romana.

ITINERARY

World Predator Classic 2019: EVENT ITINERARY

This three-day battle will push the limits of anglers from all over the world ... but don’t panic, if it all gets too much, there’s always a good excuse for a party!

Thursday, June 27th

n 07:00-07:15: Boat Captains’ daily

briefing at Cape Helius Hotel.

n 06:45-07:45: Daily Event Boat Check. n 07:45: Boats allowed to leave berth. n 08:15: Start of Boat Competition at start/ finish line. n 16:15: Daily end of Boat Competition and return.

Friday, June 15th

n Competitors’ Rest day: Boat Sponsors

50

and Event Partners meet the star Sponsor & Partners. n 09:00: Rest Day and daily briefing Boat/ Partners

World Predator Classic 2019: EVENT ITINERARY

Saturday, June 29th

n 07:00-07:15: Boat Captains’ briefing at Cape Helius Hotel. n 06:20-07:20: Daily Event Boats Check n 07:45: Boats allowed to leave berth n 08:15: Start of Boat Competition announced by firing of canons at start/ finish line. n 16:00: Daily end of Boat Competition at start/finish line then head to Marina n 21:00: Giant prize giving at Theatre at Hellevoetsluis n 22:00: EVERYBODY PARTY! YOU DESERVE IT!

World STREET FISHING: SAKURA

SAKURA Give yourself new perspectives!

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

After a first year of sponsorship, in 2018, SAKURA becomes more involved and becomes an official partner of the World Predator Classic and World Street Fishing trails.

52

Our first contact last year, with Ross, had allowed us to feel all his motivation and the promotional importance of WPC competitions for the development of sport fishing. Our visit in Hellevoetsluis during the 2018 edition really impressed us. The organization and the mobilization of the city around this international fishing event were simply incredible and unpublished! The amazing work of Angling Spirit team and the volunteers who participate to the success of the WPC is impressive. Having participated in many lure fishing competitions in France and abroad (USA, Spain, Italy) since the 90s, I know how difficult it is to organize a fishing tournament!

As soon as this event ended, Ross and his collaborators were able to get back to work to propose a 2019 edition that promises great emotions and announces a very interesting evolution of the WPC format, in the near future.

At SERT, we were convinced that our choice was the right one and that we could support and participate in this great adventure through our brand dedicated to predators fishing, SAKURA and with BIWAA, also well-known lure brand whose we assure the distribution in Europe.

SAKURA, French brand, develops its own collections of rods, reels, high-end monofilaments, braids and lures but also luggage and accessories since 2005. With my colleague and friend Tanguy Marlin, we work in our office located in the suburbs of Bordeaux to offer anglers high quality material at an affordable price. At Sakura, we have been anglers

since our childhood. We know perfectly well the current needs and we are always trying to launch future tendencies, which will help anglers catch more big fish whatever the conditions.

This season has been very prolific in terms of new products, both in terms of rods and lures. There is plenty of choice and the participants in the WPC rounds will have the chance to test some of them thanks to the Welcome bags samples that we will offer to them during their registration! Let them know that the members of our team often tested our lures in Dutch waters. We can assure them that they have worked very well with zander, perch and pike during these testing sessions. Here’s a brief overview of the main new products for 2019.

For those who would like to know more about our range, feel free to visit our website www. sakura-fishing.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram social networks.

We wish good luck to the WPC and WFS competitors and send all our support to the organizers. n Franck Rosmann

Sensibraid 12X braid line: 150 m - Green This high-end braided line is very versatile and can be used in both fresh and salt water. This high quality SAKURA SENSIBRAID 12X braid is made of 12 strands of 100% DyneemaÂŽ. The ultra-tight weave with central core allows obtaining a new profile, much rounder and smooth, but above all, it improves by 40% its resistance to abrasion and knot!

After being tested all over the world, in fresh water and sea on all kinds of predators, it is naturally one of the best braids on the market!

The SPECIZ rod series:

developed to meet the specific needs of anglers, by species of fish sought either from the shore or by boat.

Built with meticulous care from “Mitsubishi Japan” IM24T carbon blanks and equipped with FUJI FazLite rings, this 22 rods series is lightweight and well balanced with remarkable sensitivity and resonance at this price level.

The series breaks down as follows for freshwater species: Perch Game: 3 spinning rods; Zander Game: 3 spinning rods including a special model for vertical fishing; Pike Game: 5 casting rods and 5 spinning rods.

Gobygo: Soft swimbait shad: 3.3” (85 mm) and 4” (105 mm)

Here is the new SAKURA shad with a gobysculpin look. Present in many waterways and European canals, these two fish are a real treat for trout, perch, zander and pike who love it!

The realistic body of the Gobygo is ringed and its complex structure, dual-compound, make it one of the most sought-after swimbaits of 2019. His swimming action is astonishing! Molded with crustacean scent and slightly salty, it’s a real fish treat!

Roll Kicker: Hard jointed swimbait:

180 mm / 78 g - Sinking.

The Roll Kicker 180 S differs from the classic hard swimbaits by its brand-new and exclusive rolling-in swim. SAKURA has developed it after a full season of field tests and we guarantee you that this lure, and its innovative action, is a nightmare for pike.

With its 18 cm length, it is a typical lure for this great predator and when you will watch it swim, you will understand that he does not look like any others! With a very pronounced rolling action, it comes

to life at slowly to medium speed but also supports acceleration without losing balance.

Its ideal density makes it ideal to fish the top of the grass beds without problems. Note the free eyelet on the belly that allows you to clip a Sakura pear clip lead to add some weight and fish deeper, if necessary.

Big bait spinning reel Axio Quest:

11 BB - ratio 6.8: 1 - 220 m / 0.30 mm Brake: 15 kg.

Our reel is fully machined from aircraft grade aluminum. Its compact and robust design, combined with proven mechanics, makes it an ideal reel to equip our XH and XXH power rods.

Its versatile gear ratio gives it torque for heavy lures and repetitive casts. This ratio also transmits enough speed per crank to work big jerkbaits and soft swimbaits!

You will notice its overpowering brake, able to stop any big predator trying to take refuge in his lair.

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM 53

WPC 2019 FINLAND QUALIFYING: Pyhäjärvi

T

he competition fishing boom in Finland has been accelerating year by year.

Last year the number of participants in fishing competitions skyrocketed in almost every competition and its popularity also shows in the number of Finnish boats that are participating in the WPC.

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

A record amount of 6 boats from Finland will take part this year. Among them are the winners of the WPC Finnish Qualifying event Saku Laaksonen and Jussi Jokinen.

For Jussi Jokinen, the World Predator Classic is a brand new experience for a young fisherman, but Saku Laaksonen already participated in the WPC last year and was placed 13th with Jarkko Uimonen.

The Finnish Qualifying competition for the WPC 2019 was held at Pyhäjärvi in Tampere at the end of last September. 43 teams participated in the competition. The fight for the win and a spot to compete in Holland was tough, but in the end there was a clear margin of 26 cm to the second team: Kalle Paavola, Pekko Kanerva and Valtteri Siren.

Whilst the winners usually find the competition easy, the rest mostly find it a struggle. And it was the same this time round.

Saku Laaksonen didn’t find the Finnish Qualifyer 2018 particularly hard. In his opinion, the competition area was large and multiform enough for the number of boats taking pasrt, allowing his game plans to go well.

In pre-fishing, you could see that many teams were invested in this competition, as it meant qualifying for the World Predator Classic. Saku and Jussi trained for 4 days in the competition area. In training, they methodically mapped the waters for which

54

PLANS TO FINNISH Fins firmly believe a win is within their reach

Ready made... Saku Laaksonen and Jussi Jokinen are prepped and up for the challenge type of area they could find the biggest perch and where they could find the rest of the fish.

When pre-fishing went well, it was easy to draw a clear game plan and follow it.

Saku and Jussi started to fill their score card by fishing the needed perch. After that, they proceeded to pike fishing. Right at the start, Jussi had his line broken in hook setting, which meant getting the pike took more time than planned. Still, this doesn’t generally mess

‘‘

up the plans of experienced competitors – although besides time management, this sort of setback can always affects your vibe. In the end the pike were caught with a 5 inch paddle tail jig, jigging from a place where there were sunken logs at the bottom.

The pair’s race tactics was to jig their score card full, which took about 3 hours. After that and according to plan, they started pelagic sharp shooting bigger fish. This way they got their 79 cm and 71 cm zanders. During prefishing they saw large pikes on their sonar, but they weren’t caught in the race.

Saku and Jussi are waiting impatiently for their trip to the Netherlands. After learning from last year’s race, Saku thinks that a win is totally possible and naturally, that is what they’re aiming for. If pre-fishing goes well and everything falls into place in the competition,

It’s completely realistic, that this time there will be several Finnish boats in the top 10.

the win could be within their reach. Although, there are many other skilled boats trying to snatch the trophy, so it won’t be easy.

Out of the six Finnish teams participating in the WPC 2019, four have previous experience of the event. Saku thinks it’s completely realistic, that this time there will be several Finnish boats in the top 10.

He says that last year they were a bit lost as the competition threw up a few problems they had not anticipated whilst prepping for the race, so mistakes were made. Now they have had a year to develop their fishing and gear to something that will work in the WPC. Saku thinks that the team’s strength is that he and Jussi usually have a different perspective for fishing spots and tactics. In training, they’ll try out both ideas on alternate days to see which works best for Haringvliet and Hollands Deep. On that basis the final game plan is drafted. Whether it will be enough to win, remains to be seen. n Markku Tiusanen

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC 2019

COMPETIORS

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC 2019: PARTICIPANTS’ LIST

Germany

Belgium

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS (2018) Enrico Di Ventura CAPTAIN VICE CAPTAIN Frank Bussmeyer SPONSOR Westin

CAPTAIN Luc Coppens VICE CAPTAIN Jeroen Eijssens SPONSOR Westin

Czech Rep

CAPTAIN Thomas Engert VICE CAPTAIN Marc Ptacovsky SPONSOR Mercury

CAPTAIN Radek Filip VICE CAPTAIN Martin Stepka

CAPTAIN Lukas Riplinger VICE CAPTAIN Toni Weise SPONSOR Mercury

CAPTAIN Jaroslav Vojta VICE CAPTAIN Antonin Pacal

CAPTAIN Andre Naumann VICE CAPTAIN Daniel Roessger SPONSOR Mercury

England CAPTAIN Dave Holley VICE CAPTAIN Richard Wilson SPONSOR Peters&May

CAPTAIN Sebastian Binapfl VICE CAPTAIN Fabian Grafe SPONSOR Rheinlandboote

CAPTAIN Mark Spain

VICE CAPTAIN Evaldas Skablauskas SPONSOR Flambeau CAPTAIN Matt Boast VICE CAPTAIN Jan Boomsma SPONSOR Lowrance

CAPTAIN Mika Vornanen VICE CAPTAIN Timo Narinen SPONSOR Mercury CAPTAIN Saku Laaksonen VICE CAPTAIN Jussi Jokinen

Qualifying event

CAPTAIN Kalle Paavola VICE CAPTAIN Pekko Kanerva CAPTAIN Tomi Soininen VICE CAPTAIN Sami Laakso

CAPTAIN Antti-Jussi Noronen VICE CAPTAIN Toni Pohjalainen CAPTAIN Ari Paataja VICE CAPTAIN Pekka Laitinen

France CAPTAIN Julien Bridard VICE CAPTAIN Guillaume Gillot SPONSOR Quantum

CAPTAIN Sebastian Kurpiers VICE CAPTAIN Christian Buerck CAPTAIN Timo Ruff VICE CAPTAIN Eckehard Goetze CAPTAIN Heiko Selwitschka VICE CAPTAIN Dietmar Zwissler CAPTAIN Thomas Brandsch VICE CAPTAIN Philipp Lumma CAPTAIN Thorsten Klein VICE CAPTAIN Matthias Foellinger CAPTAIN Roland Gotzler VICE CAPTAIN Roman Konopitzky CAPTAIN Pierre Johnen VICE CAPTAIN Patrick Wischermann SPONSOR Lowrance

CAPTAIN Nils Meuther VICE CAPTAIN Roman Giacuzzo SPONSOR Rheinlandboote

CAPTAIN Andre Schmitt VICE CAPTAIN Danni Schaefer SPONSOR Crestliner

CAPTAIN Gregor Babiarz VICE CAPTAIN Daniel Ressel SPONSOR Hybrida Lures

CAPTAIN Daniel Andriani VICE CAPTAIN Frederic Jullian SPONSOR #LMAB Gunki

CAPTAIN Sacha Todtenhausen VICE CAPTAIN Daniel Haack SPONSOR Rheinlandboote

CAPTAIN Dietmar Isaiasch VICE CAPTAIN Rocco Udewenz SPONSOR Quantum

Finland

Germany

CAPTAIN Jan Pusch VICE CAPTAIN Aleksandr Volkovskij SPONSOR Alpha mobile-marine

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC 2019: PARTICIPANTS’ LIST 13 countries, 50 teams and 100 anglers, all coming together for the greatest predator fishing tournament of the year ... contestants, are you ready?

Netherlands

Poland

CAPTAIN Willem Stolk VICE CAPTAIN Chris Bloemert SPONSOR Mercury

CAPTAIN Tomasz Kurnik VICE CAPTAIN Piotr Wojnowski SPONSOR Peters & May

CAPTAIN Evert Oostdam VICE CAPTAIN Bernard Van Der Slot SPONSOR Mercury

CAPTAIN Daniel Celeda VICE CAPTAIN Tomasz Gancarz SPONSOR Tangiri Boat

CAPTAIN Mark Traas VICE CAPTAIN Berry van Zelst SPONSOR Peters&May

CAPTAIN Jeremy Staverman VICE CAPTAIN Jelle de Jong SPONSOR Lowrance CAPTAIN Marcel Asbroek VICE CAPTAIN Nils Gabsa SPONSOR Flambeau

Italy CAPTAIN Marcello Sivero VICE CAPTAIN Giuseppe Capezzuto SPONSOR Proboats

Latvia CAPTAIN Janis Skrabans VICE CAPTAIN Vitalijs Karpenkovs SPONSOR Sargofish.eu -JSP CAPTAIN Ugis Gross VICE CAPTAIN Igors Filipovs SPONSOR Peters & May

CAPTAIN Artur Zietkowski VICE CAPTAIN Konrad Pukszta SPONSOR Qualifying event CAPTAIN Arkadiusz Stawiarski VICE CAPTAIN Lukasz Witek CAPTAIN Lukasz Miziolek VICE CAPTAIN Michal Wittstock SPONSOR Peters&May CAPTAIN Adam Grabowski VICE CAPTAIN Mariusz Troscianko

Romania CAPTAIN

Tofan Constantin Claudiu VICE CAPTAIN Dubovoi Dorian SPONSOR Peters & May

Slovakia CAPTAIN Vladimir Jochym VICE CAPTAIN Marian Maslanak SPONSOR Jochym Marine CAPTAIN Peter Hornak VICE CAPTAIN Peter Marcin

Sweden

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

CAPTAIN Albin Sharghi

VICE CAPTAIN Victor Soderberg SPONSOR Mojo Boats

57

THE FISH FINDERS: MEET TEAM LOWRANCE 2019

SPOTLIG

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

INTRODUCING THE DRIVING FORCE

58

LOWRANCE TEAM 1 Jan Boomsman:

Professional fishing guide from the Netherlands.

Fishing for perch, Pike Zander and Asp, with personal records of Pike 20,7kilo 123cm; perch 3,2kilo 54; zander 10,1kilo 102,5cm, and asp 80cm.

Matt Boast:

Lure fishing enthusiast focusing on freshwater predators in the UK and Europe from both bank and boat.

A Lowrance Ambassador with years of experience under his belt.

GHT ONL BEHIND TEAM LOWRANCE

Ari Paataja:

As a professional fishing guide Ari has extensive knowledge, targeting mainly pike, perch and Zander Ari thrives on fishing new species around the world and discovering new fishing technology.

owrance®, a world-leader in fishing electronics since 1957 — are proud of their continued partnership with the WPC event.

The World Predator Classic has quickly become a prestigious and highly contested competition on the sports fishing calendar, the buzzing atmosphere and enthused anglers make it a great event to be involved in.

This year Lowrance have two teams entering to battle it out for the top spots, with many years of experience between them, competing for top prizes including a trip to America to attend ICAST and a fully Lowrance rigged Mercury PRO XS115HP, its all to play for.

Lowrance are proud to be sponsoring the WPC for another year and are looking forward to watching the action unfold and hope to secure some good placings.

Check out this year’s Team Lowrance line-up and stay tuned with #TeamLowrance for all the team action.

Pekker Laitinen:

Another experienced Finnish angler specializing in predator fishing and all around fly-fishing. This will be his third time at WPC Europe.

THE FISH FINDERS: MEET TEAM LOWRANCE 2019

LOWRANCE TEAM 2

Pierre Johnen:

Being close to the border with two prime predator fisheries in the Netherlands and Belgium, Pierre has been fishing since his childhood. Participating in the NCP, Pierre now has a taste for competition. His experience in varied conditions on the water will make him fierce competition.

Patrick Wischermann:

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

This is Patrick’s first year of competing in the WPC. Fishing for over 25 years – specialising in predatory lure fishing – his PB sits with a 120cm Pike pictured in the photo. He now hopes to break his record with a Zander over 80cm.

60

Jeremy Staverman: As two time WPC winner, two time PredatorTour winner and two time Dutch Zander Champion, Jeremy is a very experienced competition angler. His main targets are, of course, the fish needed for the competitions – pike, perch and zander.

Jeremy hopes to lift the trophy once again at WPC!

Jelle De Long: Jelle has lived by the sea in Holland his whole life and has fished with his brothers since he was a child. Now his speciality is hunting down big pikes – out every week in his aluminium fishing boat. He’s been preparing for WPC and is ready to smash some PB’s!

DOUBLE ACT: WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC TEAM EVENT FLAMBEAU

PETERS&MAY 1

WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-29 WPC19-23

Mark Spain Evaldas Skablauskas Marcel Asbroek Nils Gabsa

WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-08 WPC19-43

Dave Holley Ugis Gross

Richard Wilson Igors Filipovs

WPF REF

PLAYER 1

WPC19-35 WPC19-36

Sebastian Kurpiers Christian Buerck Timo Ruff Eckehard Goetze

WPC19-44 WPC19-48

Lukasz Miziolek Michal Wittstock Claudiu Dubovoi Dorian Constantin Tofan

PLAYER 2

BASS BOAT GERMANY 2 WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-37 WPC19-38

Heiko Selwitschka Dietmar Zwissler Thomas Brandsch Philipp Lumma

BASS BOAT GERMANY 3 WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-39 WPC19-40

Thorsten Klein Roland Gotzler

Matthias Foellinger Roman Konopitzky

MERCURY 1 WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-02 WPC19-03

Willem Stolk Evert Oostdam

Chris Bloemert Bernard Van Der Slot

MERCURY 2 WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-05 WPC19-06

Thomas Engert Lukas Riplinger

Marc Ptacovsky Toni Weise

MERCURY 3 WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-04 WPC19-07

Mika Vornanen Timo Narinen Andre Naumann Daniel Roessger

PLAYER 2

PETERS&MAY 3 WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-09 WPC19-14

Tomasz Kurnik Mark Traas

Piotr Wojnowski Berry Van Zelst

QUANTUM WPF REF

PLAYER 1

WPC19-18 WPC19-19

Dietmar Isaiasch Rocco Udewenz Julien Bridard Guillaume Gillot

PLAYER 2

RHEINLANDBOOTE WPF REF

PLAYER 1

WPC19-10 WPC19-11

Sebastian Binapfl Fabian Grafe Sacha Todtenhausen Daniel Haack

PLAYER 2

RHEINLANDBOOTE MOJO WPF REF

PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-12 WPC19-41

Nils Meuther Albin Sharghi

Roman Giacuzzo Victor Soderburg

WESTIN WPF REF

PLAYER 1

WPC19-01 WPC19-32

Enrico Di Ventura Frank Bussmeyer Luc Coppens Jeroen Eijssens

PLAYER 2

LOWRANCE 1 PLAYER 1

PLAYER 2

WPC19-42 WPC19-23

Matt Boast Pierre Johnen

Jan Boomsma Patrick Wischermann

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

WPF REF

TEAM BOAT EVENT

PETERS&MAY 2

PLAYER 1

PARTICIPANTS

BASS BOAT GERMANY 1 WPF REF

63

64

MARSHAL

your HEAD

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

HEAD MARSHALL: GARY PALMER

A WORD OF ADVICE: WPC HEAD MARSHAL GARY PALMER

WPC Head Marshal, GARY PALMER, has year’s of experience as an angler and competitor under his belt and this knowhow will ensure the success and safety of the 2019 event

‘‘

A WORD OF ADVICE: WPC HEAD MARSHAL GARY PALMER

L

The Main Event ..

et me begin by welcoming all competitors to the World Predator Classic 2019 on behalf of your marshalling team.

To get the best and really enjoy competing in any major sporting event it is vitally important to have confidence in your competition officials.

Whether that be the Referee at the FIFA World Cup, the Umpire at the Wimbledon final or the Head Marshal in the World Predator Classic. Having officials that are experienced, knowledgeable and fair is or paramount importance.

I can assure you that as Head Marshal I will do everything in my power to ensure that the World Predator Classic 2018 is an enjoyable and extremely well run competition.

Before we start getting into the rules and regulations I would first like to introduce myself. My name is Gary Palmer and if that sounds familiar to you that may be because as well as Heading up the marshalling team at last year’s event, I myself have competed in the World Predator Classic finals. In the 2016 final I fished with Hans Ruigrok during which I managed to catch the longest pike of the competition. As a previous competitor I understand and have the ability to see the competition from the competitor’s point of view as well as the organisers’.

Having fished from the age of 5 over the years I have covered all disciplines in angling from float fishing on local waters to fishing for Nile perch in Egypt. For the last 16 years I have been a dedicated lure angler including being selected to fish for Team England in the World Championships. I currently make a living as a full time Angling Guide and Consultant. Alongside this as well as competing I also organise and run UK events including the World Predator Classic England qualifiers held on Grafham Water and Zandermania which has been running for 10 years.

From experience I know that the waters immediately outside the Marina can get very choppy so safety is of paramount importance. Every boat without exception must have the following items in their boat safety kit; n One or more paddles or oars. n Appropriate anchor which is secured to your boat with a minimum of 30m rope. n A foghorn or acoustic warning device. n A bailer or manually operated water pump. n An approved dry-chemical fire extinguisher. n An emergency ignition shut off device. n A towing rope with a pull strength of 500Kg+ and a fixed tow ring. n 10 litres of spare fuel. n A first aid kit.

well organised tackle and great boat handling will count for nothing if you are disqualified

All boats will be checked whilst on the water on a daily basis by the marshalling team and no one will be allowed to leave the harbour without being 100% compliant.

Finally rules are rules and it is your responsibility to have them, to have read them, to have understood them and to comply with them.

Good luck to all, tight lines and may the fishing gods smile on you!

‘‘

A huge amount of time and effort is put in prior to an event such as the WPC and this preparation will pay dividends once the competition starts.

The weeks leading up to the main event are both exciting and important for both organisers and competitors, this is especially true for team captains. In my opinion the most important job of all is to understand the rules as knowledge of the water, well organised tackle and great boat handling technique will count for nothing if you are disqualified.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind Captains that it is your responsibility to fully understand and comply with all rules and restricted areas, speed limits, signs and buoys as stated in Dutch law etc. Any boat receiving a ticket for breaching any of the rules of the water including speeding will receive an automatic Red Card. Please do not ask either myself or any of my marshalling team about buoys, restricted zones etc.

Be prepared.. the marshals will check your boat every morning, so make sure you have everything required and on show

Getting it right! How to Photograph your catch Any pictures of fish that are not in the following format will be disallowed n All fish must be placed on the official measure supplied n Ensure the tip of the nose is against the stop bar right flank down n Measure to the TIP of the tail n Ensure security tags are shown n Make sure that the complete fish can be seen in the picture The golden rule is, take your time and double check that everything is correct and visible before sending.

Boat Safety ..

8 8

Wrong: Both head and tail must be fully shown in picture

Very wrong: Treat the fish with respect ... there should be no blood

4

Right: It’s not that difficult!

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC OFFICIAL EVENT MAP 2019 Citta Romana END OF FISHING ZONE

N497

Stellendam

Slijkplaat

Haringvliet

Middelharnis

Haringvliet Vui le G at Tiengemeten

WORLD PREDATOR PREDATOR CLASSIC CLASSIC 2019: 2017: OFFICIAL GUIDE MAP WORLD

2

Gorslaan

an

Ka na alw eg We stz ijde

Ka naa lwe gO ost zijd e

Hoom werk straa t

ke

rta

Veerw

uy ts eZ ee dij k

Ka naa lwe gW est zijd e

Oostkade

Molenstraat

Indistrieha ven

emeester Van Der J Burg agt rad e

Heliu shav en

WPC Headquarters: Registrations and Trailer Park

ak Vlas

eg

3

Kerkstraat

ijk ed Ze

2

Start of Boat Parade Captain’s Dinner: Citta Romana

we eu Ni

1

3

isw ac Gl

Helius Haven

eg

Opzoo merl aa n

we Zeedijk Nieu

1

Westkade

e w eu Ni

Zeed ijk

merlaan Opzoo

Gors

Glaciswe g

DROOGDOK

Courtine

Kanaalw eg O ostzijde

Citta Romana Zuiddijk

r St

Zuidfront

Competitors’ Mooring

Haringvliet A29

END OF FISHING ZONE A16

Strijen Start of Boat

Numansdorp ijkerd Mo gen g bru

2

Hollands Diep

Hollands Diep END OF FISHING ZONE

A29 N59

Moerdijk

Hollands Diep A17

A59

Klundert

2014-2019

I

t is with great pleasure that we welcome the World Predator Classic for the sixth time in our beautiful town and on our interesting island .

We offer the competitors of the World Predator Classic and other visitors a wide range of beautiful sites and inspiring places.

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Europe’s Biggest Cannon!

Home of the World Predator Classic 2019, Hellevoetsluis, is a unique and a place filled with maritime history.

As the only fortified harbour in The Netherlands and boasting Europe’s biggest cannon, this WPC location is well worth taking a look around

In the fortification of Hellevoetsluis you experience the life of the soldiers who had to defend the ramparts.

The big canon 24IJ – the only original canon of this size on its original place in Europe – is one of the most important remains. But also the Barracks Haerlem and the various casemates dating from the 17th till the 20th century are very interesting to visit. These are all recently restored.

Unique setting for an event The fast and furious boats of the World Predator Classic contrast well with the historical ships at the King’s Quay (Koningskade) where you can find three historical ships: the Buffel, AMS de Bernisse and the Lighthouseship 12 Noordhinder.

When you walk on you will arrive in the Drydock Jan Blanken, headquarters of the WPC 2019. This drydock is the first drydock built in stone. You can take a tour around the harbor and enjoy a beautiful view on the National Firefighting Museum, corn mill ‘De Hoop’, the old marine school ‘De Veste’, the Prinsehuis (office of the executive board of the municipality of Hellevoetsluis), the monumental iron bridge and the protestant church with its golden lamb on top. Enjoy a cold drink on one of the various terraces. When you like to shop you can find a big shopping mall Struytse Hoeck 2 km from the historical center.

On Saturdays you will find the very vivid market with various stalls. Look at the beautiful flowers, the delicious fruits and the typical dutch ‘stroopwafels’, try the ‘herring’ or taste our lovely cheese.

Island of Voorne Putten One island two worlds. This is the slogan of the Island of Voorne Putten which contains the towns of Brielle, Westvoorne, Hellevoetsluis and Nissewaard with their history and modern facilities.

But you will also find beautiful nature and beaches. This green island offers possibilities for hiking, biking,

horseriding, relaxing, sailing, spotting seals, island hopping, golfing, kitesurfing, etc The Island of Voorne Putten is a hidden treasure in the south west of The Netherland . You can spend days roaming the island by foot, bike or car and enjoy its pleasures.

Town of Brielle Brielle is a small fortified town, 11 kilometers from Hellevoetsluis. You will find some charming little shops and a very interesting historical museum. There are lots of nice restaurants and bars.

A WARM WELCOME F 70

HELLEVOE T

HELLEVOETSLUIS: ANGLING CAPITAL OF THE NETHERLANDS A dive into the past: Dry Dock Jan Blanken

When the weather is fine you can sit on a terrace and watch the passers-by.

Oostvoorne & Rockanje If you like the beach and the sea this is the place to be for you. You will find miles of beaches, you can walk along the seaside and there are a lot of places where you can have a drink and something to eat. The Mildenburg woods are lovely for a stroll.

Nissewaard Nissewaard is the biggest town on the

FROM

island of Voorne Putten. It is a very modern city where you will find many shops and the ‘Boekenberg’ (Mountain of Books), the library. This extraordinary building has been designed by architect Winy Maas. Outside the town you will find a large nature park called De Bernisse.

Waterbus Excursions

The waterbus is a tourist transport system serving Rotterdam to Hellevoetsluis. It is possible to hop on board, experience the beauty of the Haringvliet and visit the island of Tiengemeten.

TSLUIS

The dry dock Jan Blanken has an important part of the maritime history of Hellevoetsluis for over 200 years. From the 17th century this fortress city served as the naval centre for the Admiralty of the “Maze”.

In 1775 as part of the modernisation project of the naval settlement in Hellevoetsluis, Jan Blanken (Inspector General of the Ministry of Waterways and Public Works, designed this dry dock, which is so-called a double dry dock. That means that there are two docks, which can work independent of each other. In 1802 the construction started of the so-called Keeldock. The Construction of the so-called Carpenters’dock followed between 1821 and 1825. Dry-dock Jan Blanken was the First Stone dry-dock in the Netherlands. Special elements are the shipdoors (bateau-porte) as barricade of the two docks and the aquaducts (length 329m), a waterreservoir for fire-fighting and purification.

The length of the whole dry dock is about 157m and the width 31m. The recent shipdoor is made of iron, a beautiful preserved “bateauporte”. However the original shipdoor was made of wood and had two keels. The dry dock was pumped dry by a steam engine with three big iron pumps, which were designed by Boulton & Watt, England. The pumping-station was demolished for obscure reasons. But it was reconstructed in the original state in 2001.

The dry dock Jan Blanken is still in operation and regularly ships are docked according to the original methods. The dry dock Jan Blanken in Hellevoetsluis is one of the greatest cultural and industrial monument of the Netherlands.

In 1775 Jan Blanken designed this dry dock .. so-called a double dry dock, as there are two docks that can work independently of each other

‘‘

Exceeding expectations in Bespoke Logistics

Contact the experts today.. +44 (0)2380 480 480

info@petersandmay.com www.petersandmay.com

eating out in hellevoetsluis

Restaurant Kip’Sones This new trendy restaurant in the heart of the Hellevoetsluis Fortress serves delicious fresh organic chicken from the rotisserie. Spare ribs, burgers and steaks. Our French fries are cut and baked every day from fresh potatoes.

In addition, we serve various soft drinks and the tastiest specialty beers.

We are open every day from 11am to midnight.

COME DINE WITH US! La Cabaña

Authentic Argentine Grill

Wijnbar De Tijdgeest Winebar De Tijdgeest (zeitgeist) is the smallest café of Hellevoetsluis with its beautiful oak walls and bar and the historical materials this is a must to visit.

In this café you can enjoy more than 40 types of wine but also various delicious beers. There is also an extensive snack menu.

The wine bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm - 1am.

We prepare the best steaks and spareribs of the whole region in a fun and cozy South American atmosphere on real charcoal.

Enjoy our best Argentine wines and liqueurs with the sounds of Argentine music in the background, you get that extra ambiance as you dine. We are open from 5pm, 7 days a week

Café Tante Toos This completely new café is the new popular hotspot of Hellevoetsluis.

Various sports are shown on six TV screens. And on weekends there are DJs who make it a party. On the beer tap, Tante Toos offers Heineken, Amstel, Murphy’s red and stout. This café is the place to follow sport and have a good time with your friends.

Cafe Tante Toos is open 7 days a week from 2pm - 1am, on Friday and Saturday until 5am.

Grand café 1661 Completely renovated in November 2017, the Grand Café offers a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. From English breakfast, hamburgers, fresh fish dishes to lobster. On their sunny terrace you can enjoy a delicious beer or wine with a choice of assorted snacks.

Open 7 days a week from 9am to midnight.

La Fortezza

A modern Italian restaurant, located in the unique historic building the Pompgebouw, in the fortress of Hellevoetsluis.

With a view of the marina, the dry dock “Jan Blanken” and the museum ship “De Buffel”, you can enjoy our Italian dishes in an ambiance of hospitality and conviviality.

On sunny days you can enjoy the terrace at the water. Whether it is a drink, a pizza, a pasta or an extensive dinner, our menu is full of delicious dishes from modern Italian cuisine: meat, fish or vegetarian, with two, your family or a bigger group? Fortezza has a place for everyone, and our restaurant is also ideal for parties and company gatherings, but it is also very fast in our restaurant!

Open Tuesday - Sunday from 12pm.

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

Instead of fighting for fish, why not try tasting some?

Hellevoetsluis has a great selection of diverse eateries and wine bars and here is just a few we can recommend

73

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

CITTA ROMANA: OFFICIAL EVENT ACCOMMODATION

74

Città back and relax

R The official event accommodation at Città Romana, is a unique holiday resort that offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings after a hard day’s fishing

esort Città Romana are very proud to still be the official event accommodation for the World Predator Classic 2019 here in Hellevoetsluis!

every holiday home has its own free Wi-Fi and free satellite TV with 100 + (inter) national channels and a lovely garden to enjoy the good weather and outdoor space.

The resort’s central building hosts our reception, a heated indoor swimming pool This well-known predator fishing event and a private sauna (which is free to use as grows in popularity every year as more and a guest at our Resort), a cosy Tony’s Pub, more people spread the word about the the restaurant Duinhoek with a beautiful sport and the location. Thanks to founder terrace next to the water, beauty salon and Ross Honey, Hellevoetsluis is now officially a massage studio for extra relaxation. For on the predator anglers’ map and it’s a yearly event that we all now look forward to. children we have an outside playground.

It is also possible to own one of these The World Predator Classic is not just a comfortable family homes – whether as a fishing competition – it’s much more than that: It has now gained the reputation as an personal holiday get-away, to let, or perhaps exciting and challenging international event both. If you would like more information that brings anglers together from all over the about the holiday homes that are for sale you can send an e-mail to directie@ world to compete here in our home town. cittaromana.com.

And that is where we can help by We wish you all the best of luck at this providing great accommodation for year’s World Preditor Classic event and participants, sponsors, tourists, in fact a wonderful stay with us at Resort Citta anyone looking to stay and unwind after a Romana! hard day’s fishing. n If you would like to keep updated of our The Resort Citta Romana is spread over Restaurant Duinhoek and our Resort, you can 16,3 ha of land with little lakes running in between the Resort’s holiday homes. Guests download our App in the Appstore or Google play store. Off course you can also follow who have stayed here before describe it us on twitter: @Cittaromana or Facebook: as a quiet and peaceful Resort. There are 5 www.facebook.com/CittaRomana/ or different types of holiday homes, of which www.facebook.com/Duinhoek/ 2 types have thatched roofs. Furthermore,

PETERS & MAY: EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

MOVING MOUNTAINS

As leading experts in shipping solutions, Peters & May have your precious cargo covered

No shipment too tricky.. Peters & May use bespoke shipment methods to transport this 63m Superyacht

A

s the official logistics partner to Angling Spirit; Peters & May have been on board with the World Predator Classic for several years. Able to cover the logistics requirements of the competition through expert Freight Forwarding and Yacht Shipping teams; Peters & May are on hand to assist event organisers and participants in fulfilling all their logistics needs.

‘‘

Peters & May’s relationship with Angling Spirit was initially sparked by the personal interest of CEO Dave Holley in such a poignant event within the fishing industry. Now a competition close to the heart of the rapidly expanding global logistics company; Peters & May’s passion for extending their bespoke solutions across the fishing industry continues.

Dave Holley explains “Since our infancy back in the 1970’s we have been involved in providing bespoke logistics solutions for yacht racing events such as the Whitbread Round the World Race and America’s Cup. That side our business is still going strong! All the knowledge and expertise we have developed through the years is transferable to the fishing industry, catering for large events such as the World Predator Classic. Our experts in Freight Forwarding and Yacht Shipping understand the pressures, timeframes and bespoke requirements of competitive sports – making us a reliable partner to the event”.

Now with 12 offices worldwide and the expansion of their teams this year, Peters & May have strong presence across Europe, Asia and the USA. A complex network of trusted agents, support

On board.. As a keen angler, Dave Holley, Peters & May CEO, is thrilled too be supporting the WPC

Peters & May with location specific customs, VAT advice and resources; meaning no destination is off limits when it comes to shipping cargo. It’s this established web of resources that places Peters & May in the perfect position to support Angling Spirit in its vision to extend the events worldwide, starting with the USA. With the ability to produce in house custom cradling for yachts, Peters & May are trusted to ship over 4,000 yachts annually ranging from the likes of Sunseeker and Princess Superyachts, to Tracker and Monterey fishing boats. In support of the World Predator Classic 2019; Peters & May transported the prize boat from Basspro in the USA to Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands. Alongside this, and like previous years Peters & May assisted in transporting cargo from across the world to Hellevoetsluis ready for the event.

Ross Honey, Founder of the World Predator Classic commented on the logistics support received by Peters & May; “It’s really great to be building on the success achieved in the first year of the sponsorship agreement with Peters & May. The angling world is vast and there are a huge number of

Our experts in Freight Forwarding and Yacht Shipping understand the pressures,

PETERS & MAY: EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

‘‘

Happy landing .. Peters & May team land the Biggest Catch of 2018 (main image); Fishing boats shipped by Peters & May for the World Predator Classic (above).

timeframes and bespoke requirements of competitive sports

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

products being moved all over the world at any one time. Peters & May have a world class reputation in the marine industry, and we are very pleased to be working with them as they extend their services to angling companies. Of course, the World Predator Classic Champions prize boat arrived on time and in pristine condition – another sterling job from the team”.

This year at the World Predator Classics, Peters & May will be taking things up a notch with 6 teams entering the competition. Dave Holley, whom is an angler himself will also be aboard one of the competing boats trying to bring in a big catch for the team. Extending their support for all Angling Spirit events; Peters & May’s sponsorship this year also covers the World Carp Classic that takes place in September.

Dave Holley will be on hand at events to speak to participants, teams and industry suppliers regarding their logistics needs. Whether you are looking to explore new fishing grounds in your yacht, required to transport equipment or part of a team requiring event logistics support, Peters & May have got you covered!

77

OFFICIAL EVENT

The organisers of the World Predator Classic would like to thank all the Official Sponsors and Support Partners who have helped to make this 2019 event possible

Mercury

Since 1939, Mercury has consistently emphasised quality, performance, innovation and reliability. Today that pledge remains as strong as ever. The success of Mercury Marine has not occurred by chance. www.mercurymarine.com

Nitro Boats: Every NITRO® fishing boat is built with a dedication to quality that you can see in the fit and finish, feel in the smooth ride and count on for a lifetime. Thanks to the skill and experience of our master team of fiberglass craftspeople, every bit of care is taken to ensure the finest, longestlasting boat at the best price. www.nitro.com

Duo International

DUO stands for form, DUO stands for function. Form and function aligned in harmony, ‘functional beauty’, is a key element of our design philosophy. www.duo-international.com

Tracker

As part of the Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine Group family, Tracker Boats take decades of top-tier innovations, quality and performance and weave them into every single model to produce a line-up of performance fishing boats absolutely loaded with value. www.trackerboats.com

Bass Pro Shops

Founded in 1972 by Johnny Morris, Bass Pro shops is today the leading national retailer of outdoor gear and apparel with 200 retail marine centers across North America. We delighted to be sponsors of The World Predator Classic 2019. www.basspro.com

Lowrance

Official electronics partner. Lowrance has been a leader in marine electronics since it invented the first consumer sonar device in 1957- The Little Green Box. In the years since, Lowrance has never wavered from its purpose to push the envelope of innovative performance to help anglers find and catch more fish. www.lowrance.com

Eagle Claw:

Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle Co has provided generations of anglers around the world with innovative, Americanmade fishhooks and a full assortment of gear and accessories. Long recognized as a global brand leader, we are continually introducing new products designed to make fishing more enjoyable for people of all ages. www.eagleclaw.com

Quantum

From the latest materials to the latest design thinking, we’re constantly searching for ways to build the ultimate fishing gear. www.quantumfishing. com

WORLD PREDATOR CLASSIC: SPONSORS & PARTNERS

T PARTNERS Grundens

Our story started at the beginning of the 20th century, when Carl Grundén, the son of a fisherman, grew tired of the unforgiving weather on the west coast of Sweden. We all share the love for fishing and tales from the untamable sea. That’s why we carry on the tradition to develop products you can trust. www.grundens.se/about-us/

Rueben Heaton

Official weights and measures.

Reuben Heaton has had its roots in the angling industry since 1857 by its namesake Reuben George Heaton.

Heaton’s continue to manufacture in the UK – an aspect of the company that after150 years, we are very proud of.

In addition, Heaton’s now import and export scales all around the world. www.reubenheaton.co.uk

Dometic .. mobile living made easy Whether you’re a boat owner, a

motorhome user, or just a lover of the great outdoors, Dometic meets your essential needs on the journey – like cooking, keeping food fresh, and creating a pleasant temperature. That way, you can explore more, see more and enjoy being away longer.

Enjoy the journey. www.dometic.com

Sakura

Founded by Alexis Coutou in 1944, Sakura has been on the forefront of high quality fishing tackle production, and will continue to create tackle made by anglers, for anglers. www.sakura-fishing.uk

Ranger boats

At Ranger®, we give you more choices so you can craft the rig of your dreams. We offer a greater array of options, colors and upgrades so your boat is precisely what you want.

Between your style and desires and our legendary performance and designs, your Ranger will stand out from the sea of cookie cutters — not to mention blow them away. www.rangerboats.com

Dragon Tackle

Dragon is a Polish company that specialise in engineering high performance fishing tackle that is utilised by anglers all around the globe. www.firmadragon.pl

Peters & May

The Peters & May group has provided bespoke global logistics solutions by sea, road, rail and air since 1988. A preferred supplier to many manufacturers, organisations and individuals 44 years unparalleled service, 154 countries, travelling over 230,000,000 miles worldwide.

Official host venue:

The vast Haringvliet inlet has played an important role in the history of Hellevoetsluis; earning it the name of a ‘fortification town on the Haringvliet’.

The Vesting fortress weith its harbours and fortifications is steeped in history. www.helevoetsluis.nl

www.petersandmay.com Flambeau Outdoors: Whether it’s a tackle organisation solution for the true-bass professional or the gift of a first tackle box for a newcomer to the sport, Flambeau has the perfect solution.Once again we will be providing some excellent prizes to boost the ever-growing prize table. www.flambeauoutdoors.com

Citta Romana Powerpole

The pinnacle of performance and unrivalled precision craftsmanship is here. The powerpole range offers unparalleled quality for those that take their angling seriously.

The spacious resoirt is set amid plenty of water and greenery just 15 to 20 minutes by car from the Europoort, Maasvlakte, the Botlekgebeid and the Tweede Maasvlakte. www.cittaromana.com

Katran Spinlock: Official Lifejacket Spinlock has over thirty years experience of designing and manufacturing rope holding equipment. The Deckware Series includes the award winning Deckvest - the world leading lifejacket harness. Where there had been no significant technical or aesthetic change for over thirty years Spinlock developed a completely new and personal lifejacket harness solution that was attractive and comfortable to wear. The expert skills of our Special Projects Team are valued by America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and other leading racing teams.’ www.spinlock.co.uk

Navisafe

When you’re fishing on the water from sunset to sunrise, or when there’s poor visibility at anchor or underway, you must ensure that it exhibits the correct lights as requested by local authorities.

Navisafe makes this more than easy for you and provides a range of portable navigation lights for vessels. www.navisafe.com

Cmap

Digital solutions for up to the minute navigation www.c-map.com

Hybrida lures

Hybrida are a homemade lure company that specialise in creating high quality custom baits that are popular worldwide. www.facebook.com/Hybrida-Lures

Our range of products incorporate the latest innovations from the world’s leading manufacturers of hook links and leaders. www.katran.co.uk

Camping ‘t Weergors Orka lures

ORKA was founded in 1992 and since then they have been producing great lures based on extensive research, experience and knowledge. www.orka-jk.com/en/about

Biwaa

Biwaa Fishing Performance is a French brand that was created in 2008 by the Alexandre brothers, both European tournament anglers. Biwaa lures are created from innovative concepts which have been developed in response to real world scenarios that we have encountered on the water. www.biwaa.com/aboutbiwaa-fishing

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Hellevoetsluis. Our website just gives you a foretaste of everything we have to offer you. www.weergors.nl

Angling Knots

Chasing big fish with big lures or fly fishing in high mountain streams? You'll find the correct fishing knots here. www.anglingknots.com

Cape Helius Marina

Secure mooring in Helevoetsluis for all participants’ boats.

Sportvisserjj Zuidwest Nederland: Hengelsportvereniging Het Voornse Kanaal: Local Fishing federation

(Dutch National Fishing Federation) promotes national and international interests of sport fishing. www. sportvisserijzwn.nl

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

4street: offerING Inspiring Products!

80

STREET INSPIRATION T

ostedt. The so-called street fishing craze is currently on everyone’s lips and maybe even the big trend in the fishing scene of the coming decade.

Anglers love street fishing because it allows them to pursue their hobby in a simple way and without much effort, and at nearby urban fishing spots. All you need is a short rod, handy and light luggage and fire away!

The trend is now catching anglers from many European cities, so it was obvious that Quantum now offers a tailor-made product range - tailored exactly to the needs of these sportsfishers! Under the “4street” label, the street fishing enthusiast will find the optimal products which will enable them to fish in this modern way.

For example, extravagant spinning rods, made from the highest quality materials. Catchy baits such as softbaits made of Japanese eco-friendly material (EFM) and tungsten-made components such as jig heads and bullet weights are all the rage due to their ecological sustainability. A well designed luggage range is not only chic, but allows the angler to fish long stretches with light luggage. The terminal tackle section is designed to produce catchy rigs, such as the Carolina or Texas rig, to ensure catching success even on heavily fished waters. The articles will be available from mid-May. n And here’s where you can find 4street: Facebook: facebook.com/4streetfishing Instagram: instagram.com/4street_fishing

INSIDE! FULL LIST OF

COMPETITORS

PLUS!

YOUR GUIDE TO THE AMAZING METZ

METZ 2019:THIS YEAR’S WSF ROUND-UP

T

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

he 31st of May 2019 sparked the start of the World Street Fishing event in Metz, France. Over 200 anglers gathered from around the world to fish the first ever World Street Fishing event hosted by angling spirit, and here is how it happened.

84

The event kick-started with a bang. After registration on Friday at the plan D’eau, anglers gathered at 16:30pm in the beautiful ornamental gardens of the ‘Place De La Republique’ for the flag parade that would see them walk through the cobble-stoned town centre, passing beautiful historic landmarks like the Metz Cathedral.

Hundreds of green flags briefly decorated the streets as anglers marched through accompanied by live musical performance. The flag parade ended in the square where the anglers entered ‘Place D’armes’ to be welcomed by the Mayor of Metz. Speeches were given by key individuals like the representatives of the APPMA, event founder Ross Honey and Defending Champion Vincent Payro. The event was now officially open.

With the opening ceremony done and dusted, it was party time. We hosted a fantastic party in the Centrepoint of the town at ‘Le View’, a local bar just a stone throw away from the cathedral. With two floors and outdoor seating, there was plenty room for the anglers to sit and enjoy a beer as the sun faded behind the pyres – and that’s exactly what they did! A great turn-out made for an extremely social gathering. Faces smiling into the early hours of the morning.

On the Saturday, after the last anglers had registered, it was time for the event rules to be announced. Closely following was the official event picture. Our Photographers snapped the crowd of anglers as they waited eagerly to make the first cast. That brought us up to 14:00pm – time to start the first day of the World Street Fishing 2019 event!

The whistles were blown, and the anglers were off. They set off in search of the 5 species. Pike, Perch, Zander, Asp and Chub. Straight away fish were being caught, but the majority were Catfish and Gobies, which didn’t count towards the score board!

One of the first fish to be caught was a 55cm Pike, caught by Jacek Borkowski of the ‘street fishing brothers’ team, representing Poland. This fish got Jacek onto the board and his name was up at the top, but more fish were coming in! The conditions made the Fishing very difficult. Clear skies, bright and hot weather meant that the fish were not playing ball, and while the anglers struggled, there was still plenty action going on!

The French were in the lead. Blue, white and red colours filled the leader board as more of the 5 species were added. Chub and Asp were proving very tricky!

The Saturday fishing session finished late to allow the anglers the opportunity to fish into dusk. We expected more Fish to be caught at this time as the lower light levels usually create an active feeding window! Our estimations were not wrong! The leader board saw a surge of fish catches submitted as light faded. Perch started to

show themselves more! A lot of anglers chose to target Asp in this time using top water lures such as spooks and poppers. They were hard work, but they were caught! As the idea of sunshine became a distant memory, the anglers returned to the registration area to hand in their catch cards for day one. The Fishing ended at 22:00pm and while some anglers went out to carry on the party spirit, others had an early night in preparation for the final day of the competition.

As the watery sun rose upon the city of Metz, anglers prepared for day two of the competition.

Some arrived extremely early for the 08:00am start to have a look at the conditions and talk tactics with their teams. The weather was predicted to be sunny and clear again, however it wouldn’t be as hot until mid-afternoon. It was make or break.

Itching to get out there, the anglers waited for the go. When it was time, they shot off in all directions in hopes to secure the top spot on the leader board and win the event. The methods being used varied. Some anglers fished dropshot rigs long range for Zander while others flicked shads around the shallows on light jigs optimistic that a shoal of Perch would be interested. Big Pike were not showing, and so less anglers were targeting them on this day. They would be lucky by-catch! Former Champion Vincent Payro got himself on the board with a Perch of 27cm, but it would take more than that to take the title two times running. It was doable though. Perch were most common on the scoreboard on day one, and the anglers had adapted their tactics to try and target them on day two!

15:00pm Meant the end of the competition!

As some anglers walked back smiling with relief, others were not so happy with their results. That’s Fishing, but the scores were in!

The Prize table was surreal. Our Sponsors really outdid themselves and you could tell this by the large display on stage. Lures were piling up and jigheads were almost overflowing. To name a few, Flambeau supplied a range of brilliant luggage, Lowrance provided Fishhunters and a new Hook2 7”unit, Quantum and Dragon supplied some amazing new street fishing concept rods and the Klash9 swimbaits from DRT go unnoticed!

REVI

THE HEAT IS ON

METZ 2019:THIS YEAR’S WSF ROUND-UP

IEW 2019

N AS THE SUN RISES ON METZ! ON THE PODIUM .. n FIRST PLACE:

Alexandre Dennetiere, Rodhouse, France 146cm; 172cm; 318cm

n 2ND PLACE:

Bastien Beltrami, France 123cm; 121cm; 244cm

n 3RD PLACE:

Florent Mariage, France 113cm; 97cm; 210cm

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

METZ: THE GREEN CITY

86

Le Temple Neuf ... This romanesque revival church on the Petit-Saulcy river island, just down from the Place de la Comédie, is another landmark created in the decades of German control

As a ‘basin of urban ecology’, with leafy promenades along the Moselle and Seille rivers, there’s no doubt that Metz is the ideal venue to host the World Street Fishing event

T

The administrative centre of France’s new Grand Est region, Metz, has been a base of power for more than 2,000 years.

The city has been an ancient Celtic fortified town, an important Gallo-Roman city, the Merovingian capital of Austrasia, the cradle of the Gregorian chant and one of the oldest republics in Europe. It’s a city steeped in romantic culture and due to its location, greatly influenced by German culture.

In ancient times, the town was known as “city of Mediomatrici”, being inhabited by the tribe of the same name. After its integration

into the Roman Empire, the city was called Divodurum Mediomatricum – meaning Holy Village or Holy Fortress of the Mediomatrici – then it was known as Mediomatrix. But it was during the 5th century AD, the name evolved to “Mettis”, which gave rise to Metz.

As a basin of urban ecology, today Metz has gained the nickname of ‘The Green City’, thanks to its extensive open grounds, public gardens and boasts one of the largest commercial pedestrian areas in France.

Because of this historical, cultural, and architectural background, its no surprise that Metz is now listed on France’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

ALL ABOUT METZ:WORLD STREET FISHING VENUE 2019

Wonderful city with wonderful specimens The tourist city Metz, on the Moselle river, is a favourite of visitors from all over Europe who come to see the wonderful architecture of churches, basilicas and fortifications.

The pride of this historic city is SaintPierre-aux-Nonnains. one of the oldest churches in Europe and Metz Cathedral located in the city’s centre.

However, what anglers are most interested in is its ubiquitous water and fish species, that you don’t find everywhere in other European countries. Among the urban, old streets and cafes, you have access to water – great canals and rivers.

Dams, spillways, wild rivers and its quieter banks are perfect conditions for chubs, very large chubs, that can be found here in the centre and big asp all year round.

These are predators that require knowledge, patience from the angler and the appropriate preparation of the equipment, such as Dragon Fishing Equipment with excellent Dragon Flash and Dragon Z-series rods.

The infrastructure and diversity of water that we encounter in Metz allows us to catch other predators here, such as pike, perch, zander and catfish. So, not only is it the perfect place for visiting tourists, but also for those of us who prefer a fishing rod in hand and chasing beautiful specimens. n Adrian Pron Team Dragon Nederland”

The city features noteworthy buildings such as the Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral, with its largest expanse of stained-glass windows in the world; the Basilica of SaintPierre-aux-Nonnains – being the oldest church in France; its Imperial Station Palace which displays the apartment of the German Kaiser and its Opera House, the oldest one in France that’s still use today.

The Cour d’Or museum, which illuminates eastern France’s late-antiquity and early middle ages, will help you to come to terms with the time when the Merovingian kings of Austrasia ruled their kingdoms from this city.

ALL ABOUT METZ:WORLD STREET FISHING VENUE 2019

ALL ABOUT

METZ

You’ll notice that Metz’s historic buildings have a singular appearance ... that’s because they’re made with Jaumont limestone, mined in the Moselle area and imbued with a yellowy tone by the iron oxide in the rock. On sunny days the city is quite literally lustrous! Wander the avenues and gardens where the old walls used to be and get some modern culture at the Pompidou centre.

So, if you should find yourself with any spare time during the World Street Fishing event, why not check out some of the great landmarks, restaurants and bars the city has to offer. Here’s a few suggestions ...

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

Metz Cathedral Constructed across more than 300 years from 1220 to 1552, Metz’s cathedral is one of the tallest in Europe, with breathtaking vaults in the nave soaring to 42 metres.

With more stained glass than any other cathedral in the world the building has earned the name, “La Lanterne du Bon Dieu” (the Lord’s Lantern). The windows have been created by gothic and renaissance master glassmakers, as well as the modern artists Marc Chagall and Jacques Villon.

Adding to this sense of radiance is the yellow Jaumont limestone, which makes the cathedral seem bright, even on dull winter days.

Centre-Pompidou Metz Metz made history in 2010 when it unveiled the first satellite of the Pompidou centre in Paris. The building is the work of three architects, Shigeru Ban, Jean de Gastines and Philip Gumuchdijan and easily recognised for its outline, meant to resemble a Chinese bamboo hat.

Exhibits in the vast galleries are all temporary or semi-temporary, with landmark shows along with “Beacons”, a revolving array of painting, sculpture, photography and illustration from the enormous collection of the National Museum of Modern Art in Paris.

Think Picasso, Fernand Léger, Joseph Beuys, Joan Miró, Anish Kapoor and so forth.

Place Saint-Louis The west side of this medieval square in the old centre is one long terrace of renaissance houses over a handsome arcade. The arches are more reminiscent of somewhere like Tuscany than eastern France, and show how well the city was doing for itself in the middle ages.

A bit of culture ... The Gare de Metz, CentrePompidou Metz, the city’s magnificent cathedral and Port des Allemands Back then many of these buildings would have been occupied by early bankers from Lombard in Italy, which explains the design On number five you can spot the engraving of a hand. Apparently, this was the house of a glover who, after winning a legal dispute against a German, got permission from the city to put an ornamental hand on his building.

Gare de Metz The city’s train station is preserved as an historic monument and was also built during Metz’s German era.

It’s a wondrous building, ordered by Wilhelm II and designed in the Rhenish romanesque revival style. Rumour has it that Wilhelm himself drew up the plans for the clock-tower, which has a sculpture of the Frankish knight Roland to represent German imperial protection over the city.

The station was designed to be able to move large numbers of troops quickly, and its arrivals hall resembles a Holy Roman palace, which was of course no coincidence either.

Another fun fact is that the SNCF offices are now in Wilhelm II’s private apartments.

A taste of Metz..

Covered Market

14

Thanks to the French Revolution Metz may have the grandest covered market in France.

The building was begun in the 1760s and intended as the Episcopal Palace. But after the Revolution at the end of that century it was repurposed as the market after plans to turn it into the courthouse fell through.

The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and on the latter a large assortment of stalls fill this side of the cathedral square.

Along with stalls selling a tantalising range of cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, fruit and vegetables, there are small eateries for lunch, some serving classic moselle specialities and others selling international food like pizza.

ALL ABOUT METZ:WORLD STREET FISHING VENUE 2019

Porte des Allemands Spanning the Seille to the east of the old centre, the magnificent Porte des Allemands is the last remaining castle bridge in France and the greatest piece of Metz’s old fortifications.

It is essentially a gate with two sets of towers: Angular, crenellated ones facing towards the east and the South in the distance, and circular ones on the city side. The structure is named after the Teutonic Order of knights who had founded a hospice at that time on the adjacent street.

The gate is the climax of the “Circuit des Remparts”, a walking tour that shows you round the remaining pieces of Metz’s walls.

La Cour d’Or Museum In a group of buildings that includes the historic former Petities Carmes Abbey, are three museums giving you the clearest picture of Metz’s glorious Gallo-Roman and Merovingian past, as well as its culture since then.

The museum ensemble is named after the palace in which the Austrasian Kings reigned and is an often bewildering maze of chambers and passageways, leading you to unforgettable artefacts, like the 7th-century sculpted chancel from Saint Pierre-aux-Nonnains, or historic architecture in situ, like the Roman baths in the basement.

There’s also a fine arts gallery devoted to the Metz School in the 19th century.

German control is this romanesque revival Esplanade church on the Petit-Saulcy river island, just These marvellous gardens also follow the down from the Place de la Comédie. course of Metz’s old defences, on the site of a Le Temple Neuf is where Metz’s protestant vast ditch filled in after the citadel was pulled congregation comes to worship and is down in 1816. In these French gardens with constructed with a dark grey sandstone, geometric lawns and hedges trimmed to right giving it a completely different feel to the city’s angles you can look out to Mont Saint-Quentin, older monuments, made with yellowy Jaumont climbing to the west of the city. limestone.

The Esplanade is the life and soul of Metz’s At night the church’s arcade openings emit city celebrations; During carnival time the fair light like large lanterns, and the view of the Le takes place in the Esplanade in February and Temple Neuf reflected in the water from Pont March, and then the Mirabelle Fair is here in Moyen is now one of Metz’s unmistakeable late-summer. sights.

And at Christmas there’s a skating rink set up next to Avenue Ney. What a relief ... At the La Cour d’Or Museum, you can see bas reliefs of tauroctony – a modern name given to the central cult reliefs Le Temple Neuf of the Roman empire Another landmark created in the decades of

Local Cuisine

You can’t talk about food in Metz without first mentioning Quiche Lorraine, a pastry pie made with eggs, crème fraîche and bacon.

The earliest mention of this dish dates to the beginning of the 17th century and it was originally made with emmentale cheese, which still appears in some varieties.

The German influence is clear in Potée, a cabbage stew simmered

for hours and served with sausage and boiled potatoes.

The damson and mirabelle plums grown in the countryside appear not just in tarts, brandies and jams, but also some of the charcuterie made in the Lorraine region.

Paris-Metz, is a small, brightlycoloured cake made of macarons and has been made following the same recipe since 1854. Well worth a try!

‘‘

You can’t talk about food in Metz without mentioning the Quiche Lorraine, which dates back to the 17th Century 89

From modest beginnings with only three employees, Orka has grown into a company with over 30 staff.

Today we produce lures which are guaranteed to catch A BIG ONE! Choose ORKA and give yourself the fishing of a lifetime!

Orka fishing lures are made of extra-high quality silicone - whose recipe is a strictly guarded secret.

Throughout all these years, we have combined experience and knowledge in order to offer the best quality FISHING LURES that our customers deserve!

92

PRIZE TABLE

WORLD STREET FISHING

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

WORLD STREET FISHING 2019: PRIZE TABLE & ITINERARY

It’s in the bag! Problem is ... how to get all this stuff home!

As if winning the World Street Fishing title wasn’t enough, winners of this year’s event will walk away with an array of sponsors’goodies, from clothing, to fishing equipment and tackle

First Place Overall n Champion’s Trophy

PLUS ..World Street Fishing Champions title and Champions Shirt PLUS .. n Lowrance Hook 2 7” n Grundens Garments n Flambeau products n Other Sponsors’ prizes n A featured review of their year as Champions in the 2019 Official event magazine Second and Third Place Overall n Trophy n Lowrance Fishhunter Pro n Flambeau products n Grundens Garments n Other Sponsors’ prizes

Fourth to Tenth Places Overall n Trophy n Flambeau products n Grundens Garments n Other Sponsors’ prizes

World Street Fishing Team Event First Place Overall n Two Trophies n World Street Fishing Champions’ title n Sponsors’ prizes

Second and Third Place Overall n Two Trophies n Sponsors’ prizes

EVENT ITINERARY Friday, May 31st n 11:00 - 19:00: Registration n 16:30: Opening Ceremony Parade leave Place de la Republique n 17:30: Parade arrives at Place d’Armes to be welcomed by the Mayor of Metz n 19:30 - onwards: Welcome party hosted by Lowrance and Side competitions

Saturday, June 1st

Sunday, June 2nd

German & Polish n 12:50: Official Event Picture n 13:10: Event hand outs n 14:00: Start of Day One of the competition n 22:00: End of Day One of the competition

n 15:00: End of Day Two of the

n 07:00 - 09:00: Registration n 12:00: Rules in English, French,

n 07:00: Start of Day Two of the

competition competition

n 17:00: Prize giving

METZ 31/05 - 02/06/19

WORLD STREET FISHING CHAMPION 2018:VINCE PAYRO

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

LIKE EVERY GOOD SUPERHERO, STREET FISHING CHAMPION, VINCE PAYRO, WILL TAKE ON ANY CHALLENGE ... PREDATORS BEWARE!

94

WORLD STREET FISHING CHAMPION 2018: VINCE PAYRO

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

for S ST A O C C TI N A TL A E TH FF O ‘I FISH rful e w o p a ch su ’S IT , r e v e w bluefin tuna ... Ho ight! f l ca si y h p , g n lo a s e is m fish, this pro

96

During the 16th and 17th of June last year, I took part, for the first time, in one of Europe’s biggest Street Fishing events – the WPC World Street Fishing Competition 2018.

After many long days and nights preparing and studying the course, my partner and I came up with a strategy that I believe helped me win the Individual and Team titles in this prestigious event – a competition that brought together 13 different countries and the greatest number of street fishermen in Europe.

First of all, I would like to thank Ross, Adrian, the Marshals and everyone involved in organising this wonderful competition. And a big thank you to the sponsors who spoiled us all! It is all of these people who made the World Predator Classic such a quality event with an amazing atmosphere.

After some unforgettable moments and stars in my eyes, I returned home to France feeling that all my dreams had come true and couldn’t stop thinking about the upcoming WSF 2019!

That summer, like every summer during the holidays, I went to the Pyrenees to spend two weeks fishing on wild rivers and mountain lakes looking for trout and other salmonids.

Ever since I started to walk, I would follow my father and grandfather to the edge of these rivers that I now know as my ‘pocket’. I fish them in two different ways.

The first way is as they taught me – “TOC” fishing (with natural baits). This technique allows you to learn to read the water, which I think is one of the fundamentals whatever the fishing. It is necessary to know how to analyse the river in order to entice the bait as naturally as possible and deceive these beautiful wild trouts.

I also fish these rivers with lures. Depending

on weather conditions and water, it is possible to use hard lures, soft lures and also metal lures. What I like about this type of fishing is not only the adrenaline rush you get, but simply being alone to contemplate nature. It’s is a wonderful style of fishing that allows you to meet face to face with wild animals and each location appears more beautiful than the next. All the sounds and scents of nature create a magical and unique environment that allows you to relax.

I will also hike for several hours to find mountain lakes like those in the Pyrenean mountain, where it’s possible to fish for beautiful specimens that are often difficult to track down.

Living on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, I’ve been lure fishing for bars by boat, which allows you to get near to the oyster beds where bars like to stay and search the rock heads where they like to live.

Since the new, stricter regulations on tuna fishing, it’s now possible to go lure fishing on the Atlantic coasts for bluefin tuna and broumé.

However, as tuna is such a powerful fish, this promises a long, physical fight. I’ve also practised apnea and spearfishing at a local club, so now I can dive down to admire these magnificent fish and observe their behaviour and I go rock fishing to catch small rock fish like gobies.

Occasionally, during holidays, I’ll go abroad to warmer climates looking for exotic predatory fish that we don’t find here in France.

For as long as I can remember I’ve always had a

‘I practised apnea and spearfishing, so now I can dive down to admire these magnificent fish and observe their behaviour‘

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

CPT. INVINCEIBLE:WORLD STREET FISHING 2018 WORLD STREET FISHING CHAMPION 2018: CHAMPION VINCE PAYRO

98 14

competitive streak and always played sports as a boy. So being an avid angler and constantly practising my fishing skills, competing in the WPC Street Fishing event seemed the obvious thing to do.

This competition makes it possible to meet with other fishermen, in places you don’t necessarily know and with different biotopes. It also allows you to learn how to adapt to the environment because you are fishing places where you wouldn’t normally fish.

I think the World Street Fishing event offers amazing opportunities to progress and perfect your techniques and become the most versatile angler you can be.

So, I practice street fishing in competitions not only in Europe like the WSF, but also street fishing tournaments organised by local associations: for example, I did the Limoges Street Fishing event, where I finished 4th as part of a team and also in the FFPS (French Federation of sport fishing).

I’ve also recently started fishing in a float tube, which lets me approach environments differently and as with any type of fishing, it’s always in the same spirit as street fishing.

At the end of last year, buoyed by my success, I took part in the Bass Nation France by boat for the first time. After my WSF team-mate had introduced me

to pole and feeder fishing we competed in a non-stop, 24-hour event close to Toulouse where we took third place.

My most relaxing type of fishing, which I practise most often, are the moments with family and friends. We’ll meet during lunch breaks, evenings after a good day’s work or at weekends.

Here we share unforgettable moments, put the world to right, tell the same old stories and laugh at the same old jokes … bliss! And whenever I return to Toulouse (my birth place) to visit family and friends, we fish the Canal du Midi for perch, Zander, pike and black bass.

Living in Charente Maritime, I’m found mostly fishing the Charente and surrounding rivers which gives me the chance to practise fishing for very different species. Here, you’ll find big-bait pike, scratching perch, ultralight perch, insect chub, black bass jigs, vertical catfish, shad in May by spoon and even swimmers to catch trout for example. In freshwater, it’s possible to fish for very different varieties with very different techniques – you can let your imagination run wild.

Having challenges and goals keeps the passion alive. I would like to continue competing in France but also abroad in freshwater and the sea.

I’ll continue to compete in street fishing events, in float tubes (on rivers

and lakes) and why not in a bass boat?

I will, of course be joining you all this year in Metz at the World Street Fishing competition and I’ll carry on fishing streets in cities around my home, in pairs or individual and the FFPS too.

Winning the World Street Fishing 2018 title, opened unimaginable doors for me in the fishing industry and gave me recognition as a fisherman for lure competitions. This year, I will do my best to best defend my title here in Metz, but this is unknown territory for me, so I’ll have to pepare. I’ll compete as an individual, but also in the pairs event with my friend Sébastien Pankorski.

In my eyes this is a team competition first and foremost, in which there is an individual ranking, which is why this team victory is particularly close to my heart.

The WSF really is the most amazing experience, combining high-level lure fishing and high-level atmosphere.

And it’s all thanks to the excellent organisation of the event and the participation of serious competitors with great attitudes.

I’m looking forward to meeting you at the water’s edge, to fish with lures, share common passions and meet new fellow anglers. Have fun ! n VINCE PAYRO WORLD STREET FISHING CHAMPION 2018

ST O M E R O F D N A ST IR F N O TI AM COMPETI TE A ’S IT S E Y E Y M N ‘I HEART’ Y

M TO SE LO C SO IS Y R WHICH IS WHY THIS VICTO

DRAGON: SATISFYING ANGLERS’ NEEDS FOR YEARS

THE MOTHER

DRAG

Introducing Dragon’s new generation of rods and re

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

DRAGON G.P. SERIES

100

98

Taming the beasts... The G.P. Concept rods are designed for heavy lures to trap big predators such as pike

DRAGON G.P. Concept rods is a specialist series for anglers who fish for a special specimen, it is designed for fishing for big predators, mainly pikes, for heavy lures.

You will find six spinning rods for big soft baits and wobblers and two short, casting rods for jerkbaits. All the blanks can be described as very strong when it comes to construction while at the same time, slim and sophisticated – perfectly transmitting the lures’ action.

The designers paid particular attention to strengthen the connection area. On first contact you will be surprised by the connection of the look of the rod and the operational parameters. We gave special XO SiC guides with frames of reinforced construction and fantastic handles for the fixing reel by ALPS company.

What you can expect .. n Fast action n Progressive deflection under loading, that guarantees high percentage of caught fish n Walls above standard thickness n Unique reinforcement of connector n In G.P. blanks were used such prepregs by Japanese Toray company

n Graphite with increased stiffness 30 and 36 mln PSI as a basic constructional material n Strength graphite 24 mln PSI in the core and middle part of the blank

Finishing components of G.P. Concept series are ..

n XO SiC type guides in special frames with increased strength n Handle of the reel type ALS company; n Binary, not aging, epoxy varnish for frappings n Gudebrod frappings

Thanks to nanotechnology, the blanks from this series .. n Weigh less than similar power and length “traditional “ blanks; n Their particular layers are more closely adhered to each other n They contain less epoxy resin without using CGT technology n They are more reproducible in mass production n Less frequently contain ‘hidden defects’ n With relatively low weight and fast action, they are created from less stiff prepregs than similar “classic” rods

DRAGON: SATISFYING ANGLERS’ NEEDS FOR YEARS

OF

GONS

Carbon footprint...

Composed of the material C6, this Team Dragon SL reel offers stiffness whilet being remarkably light

eels ... it’s what you’ve been waiting for!

ProGUIDE X New ‘TORAY‘ RESONANCE SYSTEM RS After years of being on the market, the GUIDE SELECT Series has gained the reputation of a rod that transmits the work of the lure and bite of the fish in the best way.

The second feature that makes it stand out from the crowd is its extravagant look – dominated by the handle which is made made entirely from graphite fibres.

Designing the new generation, under a slightly changed name – ProGUIDEX – we decided to focus on maintaining the same level of quality in the sensitivity of the rod whilst updating it’s modern design.

Connection of the Resonance System, with the handle made from stiff graphite, perfectly transfers the acoustic wave, giving incredible impressions to the angler. And the intensity of the way it receives the information from the lure or the fish attack compares to that of actually having one hand on the blank during fishing.

Two out of the three components of the handle are thin – walled moulders, made from light and very stiff graphite fibres in woven carbon 3K technology.

The design of the series is emphasized by dark red decorative braids and semi – translucent varnish in the same colour. The end of the handle is made from a blend of cork and rubber and black grip. For the equipment, we chose FUJI handle with partially exposed blank and Alconite K-series guides selected according to KR-CONCEPT. In comparison to Guide Select series we managed to significantly reduce the weight of the rod without lowering the endurance.

ProGUIDE X Series lowdown: n Prepegs from the Japanese Toray

company In the blanks of the ProGUIDE X rods n The basic material of the blanks: himodulus graphites 40 and 46 mln PSI;

n 62 mln PSI higher stiffness

graphite, mainly in places where weight reduction was needed n 30 mln PSI strength graphite in core.

Components in the ProGUIDE X Series are .. n Fuji Alconite K-series guides selected according to KR-CONCEPT

TEAM DRAGON SL

supporters

The newest technologies in the field of carbon composites is able to produce a material named C6.

This is a material consisting of more than 99% of carbon fibres, allowing for construction of very stiff and incredibly light elements. This makes up the case and rotor of our flag reel for 2019 season and indications of weight are quite surprising – 161 grams. TEAM DRAGON SL is equipped with the highest quality components and sets a standard of quality which will be followed by others.

n Short (6–7 feet), two pieces rods for

The Team Dragon SL:

n Reel seat Fuji PTS (spinning equipment) or TVS (casting equipment)

n Handles from second generation “woven carbon“ graphite

n Two-piece, ageless, epoxy varnish n Gudebrod threads.

The ProGUIDE X Series features .. n Extra light tip spinn rods for perch with a length range from 198 to 275cm

n Short tip spinn rod for perch for casting fishing with light lures (the range of max. t. w. is 15–25 g).

In addition, the group of longer spinning rods, with low T.W. and stronger rods are available in a wide range of lengths (7 1/2 to 10 feet).

Known from the previous Super Tigh Wind® Series one piece blanks – small inner hole and the thickness of the blank’s case significantly bigger than in traditional spinning rods with the same outer diameter.

These slim and very strong rods offer a wide range of applications, such as fishing in the sea with light pilkers.

Both models are available for spinning reel and for multiplier. The ability to dismantle the handle allows for easy transport of the rods, especially when you travel by plane.

Crowd pleaser... The ProGUIDEX is the latest in this series of rods with the same level of quality in the sensitivity whilst being given a modern twist

n C6 carbon body and rotor: weight reduction to only 161 gram (FD1015i) n 10 stainless steel ball bearings n Infinitive Anti-Reverse roller bearing n V-shape, duraluminium spool with specially profiled lip for easy casting of light lures n HEG-class main gear, machine-cut, ultralight and supersmooth rotation n Titanium oversized line roller with antitwist function n Tubular superhard bail n Long-life bail spring n Stainless steel main shaft and main gear shaft n Duraluminium machine-cut handle n Rotor Super Balance System n Multidisc front drag with micro adjustment, waterproof n Ergonomic handle knob, made of cork

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

FLASHBACK 2018! URBAN LEGENDS

48

URBAN LEG

FLASHBACK 2018! URBAN LEGENDS

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

GENDS 2018

103

2019 WORLD STREET FISHING EVENT: THE COMPETITORS

STREET FISHING

PARTICIPANT METZ 31/05 - 02/06/19

FRANCE REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

104

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

001 Vincent Payro: Defending Champion 2018 Ace de Pike

002 006 007 022 023 026 027 028 029 030 036 037 039 040 042 043 044 045 046 052 063 064 068 081 082 083 084 085 086 107 108 112 115 117 118 119 120 130 131 132 133 137 140 141 142 143 149 150 155

Sebastien Pankorski Ace de Pike Christophe Bellec CCBM3 Damien Redolfi CCBM3 Michel Gabrysiak CCBM1 Bastien Beltrami CCBM1 Christophe Lamm Rocket Clemens Voigt Rocket Julien Buisson French Touch Fishing Christophe Boismorant French Touch Fishing Alain Pelletier Gone fishin’ Mael Ernst Humour de pecheur Lucas Ernst Humour de pecheur CCBM2 Sebastien Poignet Stephane Konnert CCBM2 Christophe Planet Gone fishin Franck Kopiec Les Experts Romain Poulin Les Experts Jean-Rene Dennetiere

Alexandre Dennetiere Rodhouse Rodhouse Vincent Petit KP

EP

Raphael Mathiot

Remi Pires Redange fishing Alexis Buccoliero Redange fishing Matthieu Lorin AUTAIN PECHE Guillaume Bardot AUTAIN PECHE Christophe Gauthier Bretzel Fishing Sebastien Steiner Bretzel Fishing Antonio Da Silva Les Oups’ Pikers Marc Stephani Les Oups’ Pikers Jordan Beaudoing

Nicolas Flour Rodhouse Rodhouse David Bouteaudout Bouteaudout Benoit Bouteaudout Bouteaudout Joseph Imergamo No Kill Fish 57 Sebastien Matuszak No Kill Fish 57 Fish Metz and fun Pierre De Pauw Alexandre Letellier Fish Metz and fun Joel Girard AUTAIN SUISSEX Dominique Faucher AUTAIN SUISSEX Romaric Kieffer

CCBM4 Jose Pelegrin Stephane Lherbier CCBM4 Christophe Ahr

Jean Luc Garsot

Jeremy Legrand Leurriste Haut de France 1 Mathieu Beaudoin Leurriste Haut de France 1 Nathanael Boue

Up for the Challenge... World Street Fishing Champion 2018, Vince Payro from France, will be back this year to defend his title in Metz ...

FRANCE REF NAME

TEAM

156 162 163 164

165 166 172 173 182 183 189 190 201 202 212 218 219 220 221 222 223 224

Theo Bellier Nathan Corbeaux Antoine Petit Alexandre Godfrin

Leurriste Haut de France 2 Leurriste Haut de France 2 Collectif Carnassiers 28 Pecheur.com

SPONSOR

Frederic Faivre Julien Mougenot Antoine Leggeri Hugo Sollazzi Theo Bourgeois Maxence Mahot Alexis Cassagne Lylian Gallet Jean Luc Magnin Cyril Cusumano Florent Mariage Julien Bridard Marina Dulweins Mickael Rosec Mylan Prahin Nicolas Varoquier Fabien Lo Giudice Yohan Chevalier

Fisheurs-Comtois Fisheurs-Comtois The latecomers The latecomers Fishup Nokfishing Nokfishing

Collectif Carnassiers 28 GAB Fishing 57 GAB Fishing 57 DEEPER 2 Zebco Quantum France Zebco Quantum France

Scarna fishing 57 Scarna fishing 57 #zander55 #zander55

2019 WORLD STREET FISHING EVENT: THE COMPETITORS

TS 2019 Germany

REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

005 Pascal Redecker Pik-Bass 008 Daniel Altmann 009 Manuel Buchmaier Kunst Koeder 2

010 Jochen Schatz Kunst Koeder 1

Kunst Koeder Shop Kunst Koeder Shop

012 Kilian Bauer Kunst Koeder 3

Kunst Koeder Shop

013 Ralf Zimmermann Tacklehalle Schwarzfischer 014 Timo Funk Tacklehalle Schwarzfischer 015 Raphael Matschullat The Art of Streetfishing 016 David van der Maanen The Art of Streetfishing 017 Christian Kern 018 Lenny Lachenmann 021 Tim Diefenbach Kunst Koeder 3

024 Marko Schug 025 Stefan Strunz 031 Timo Richter

Kunst Koeder Shop

Odenwaldfishing Odenwaldfishing Kunst Koeder 2 Kunst Koeder

Shop

TEAM

SPONSOR

105

097 Roberto Gervasi PIPO SUPER X 098 Senad Nalic PIPO SUPER X 099 Simon Huber Yeti Fishing 100 Vincent Acuntius Yeti Fishing 105 Joe Al Gummelt Koedertester 106 Simon Norder Koedertester Addicted Fishing 109 Nick Maier Addicted Fishing 110 Yasin Polat 116 Dominik Wollrath 121 Mike Forster Jig’n’ Roll 122 Dennis Kellputt Jig’n’ Roll 124 Mathias Thome TeamZanderjaeger.de Zanderjaeger

125 Dirk Jacob TeamZanderjaeger.de

Zanderjaeger 126 Timo Finkl Zanderhunter 128 Philipp Gutzeit Rios Bait’s 129 Nico Wordemann Rios Bait’s 134 Yves Noah Hufken Raubfisch Rheinhessen 135 Manuel Perez Raubfisch Rheinhessen 136 Tobias Braik Big Fish Theory 138 Philipp Fliegauf 139 Marius Bach Big Fish Theory 144 Benjamin Bex The Lucky Lures 151 Alexander Woitschischin Wanderers 152 Wadim Fur Wanderers 158 Johannes Brunner Drunken-Allgau-Masters 159 Peter Waizenegger Drunken-Allgau-Masters 167 Tim Vostner Just4fun Just4fun 168 Lisa Braunlich 169 Lucas Wolf ImPoSand ImPoSand 170 Max Willburger 171 Oliver Schlittenbauer Kunst Koeder 4 Kunst Koeder

Shop 174 Stanislaw Hermann 175 Dennis Weber tackle-deals.eu 176 Paul Rauscher tackle-deals.eu 185 Lisa Boesen Smart Fishing 2 186 Christian Speichler Smart Fishing 2 187 Rene Flechtner MT-Lures 188 Oliver Neupert MT-Lures 193 Tim Dethlof Psych-Fishing 3 Psych-Fishing 3 194 Christian Zintel Psych-Fishing 2 195 Thorsten Spies 196 Mike Ehre Psych-Fishing 2 199 Daniel Dabrowski RnR 200 Knut Herrmann RnR 203 Benjamin Ingrao Psych-Fishing 1 204 Silvano Ingrao Psych-Fishing 1 205 Andreas Ruf Angry Bass 206 Eddi Orth Angry Bass 207 Manuel Strutz Catch Us If You Can 208 Dominik Wrobel Catch Us If You Can

209 Max Schoening Kunst Koeder 5 Kunst Koeder Shop

215 Beate Knipping Kunst Koeder 5 Kunst Koeder Shop

225 Markus Eckhardt Wolfsburg Baits

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

034 Stefan Bussfeld Kunst Koeder 4 Kunst Koeder

Shop 038 Patrick Michel 041 Yannick Muller 047 Oleksii Leheida 048 Gunnar Glimm 049 Matthias Geffe Stadtwasserhustler 050 Toni Frey Stadtwasserhustler 055 Andreas Falk Smart Fishing 1 Smart Fishing 1 056 Bernhard Thiele 057 Arne Hoppelshauser Pik-Bass 058 Christian Schipke 059 Andreas Erbelding Barschcru1 060 Martin Riedel Barschcru1 061 Andreas Maier Barschcru2 062 Peter Karger Barschcru2 065 Maurice Masannek MG Fishing 066 Frank Gunther MG Fishing 069 Patryk Rygielski Barschcru3 070 Nils Jackson Barschcru3 The Lucky Lures 071 Jamie Parkins 072 Mathias Diepold Wolfsburg Baits 073 Ruwen Koring Balzer Balzer/

Owner Pro Staff 074 Mark Siefert Balzer Balzer/

Owner Pro Staff 080 Piero Federico Monti Argentina 087 Frank Huttl JAX PRO Streetfishing 088 Daniel Cunz JAX PRO Streetfishing 091 Patrick Herbst Zanderfreak 092 Jeroen Kerkhof Zanderfreak 095 Bjorn Harich United Predator Anglers 096 Jens Asare Schwarz United Predator Anglers

Germany REF NAME

2019 WORLD STREET FISHING EVENT: THE COMPETITORS METZ 31/05 - 02/06/19

STREET FISHING

PARTICIPANTS 2019 CZECH REP REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

123 Honza Kucera

BELGIUM REF NAME

067 103 104 127

160 161 216 217

Dan Dragan Sylvain Coqu Yann Grimouille Stein Frieda v Kerckhove Jurgen De Backer Olivier Freson Vincent Charlier Mathieu Chevigne

TEAM

SPONSOR

DEEPER 2 Celt’fish Celt’fish Zanderhunter Wild Rovers Wild Rovers Zebco Quantum Belgium Zebco Quantum Belgium

ENGLAND REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

035 Stephen Hands 179 Edgars Vabulis 184 Sebastian Parzynski Fishing Strangers

LATVIA REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

157 Jevgenijs Borisovs-Ponomarjovs

LITHUANIA 113 114 210 211 228 229

TEAM

Vladislavas Vasilevskis TBA Anthony Sherlock Charlie Coppolo Ricardas Liebus Arturas Kumpis

FishingLT FishingLT Deeper 1 Deeper 1 Lithuania Lithuania

SPONSOR

DEEPER DEEPER

LUXEMBURG REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

093 Philippe Weis Lux Predators 094 Andy Marini Lux Predators

011 Conny Toelen Kunst Koeder 1 Kunst Koeder

Shop

NETHERLANDS TEAM

051 153 154 101 102 213 214

Fishing Strangers Dutch Fishing Federation Dutch Fishing Federation Perch Team 1 Perch Team 1 Perch Team 2 Perch Team 2

Jakub Stelmach Sander Groenenboom Leon Reissig Slawomir Wojtusciszyn Bartek Smoron Dariusz Golec Slawomir Gorny

SPONSOR

SPONSOR

003 Pawel Karwowski Shimano Poland 004 Jakub Grochowiecki Shimano Poland Polish Fishing Club2 032 Sebastian Sidorek Polish Fishing Club2 033 Slawomir Sikorski 145 Sylwester Matuszak 146 Sylwester Matuszak jr 147 Jaroslaw Jaromin Polish Fishing Club3 Polish Fishing Club3 148 Rafael Przybyl Poland Fishing Club1 053 Piotr Mankowski Poland Fishing Club1 054 Piotr Tokarski 075 Adrian Pron Team Dragon 076 Andrzej Czerwinski Team Dragon

077 Arkadiusz Rajfur Spinning Dutch

Adventure 1 Spinmad Team Spinmad 078 Rafal Mleczak 079 Marcin Kwasniewski Spinmad Team Spinmad 111 Andrzej Rajfur Spinning Dutch

Adventure 1 177 Artur Rymowicz Nadbuzanski Swit 178 Lukasz Machul Nadbuzanski Swit Street Fishing Brothers 180 Jacek Borkowski 181 Mariusz Wisniewski Street Fishing Brothers 191 Grzegorz Biernat Predator Maniac Polish-Anglers

Association Polish-Anglers 192 Rafal Holowinski Predator Maniac

Association 227 Lukasz Kwasny Spinning Dutch 230 Radoslaw

Wieczorkiewicz Adventure 2 231 Jakub Retmanczyk Spinning Dutch

Adventure 2

ROMANIA REF NAME

TEAM

SPONSOR

019 Sebastian Ungureanu RomSpin 020 Dabija Daniel RomSpin 226 Bogdan Florin Vizitiu

SWITZERLAND REF NAME

089 090 197 198

Alexander Roschi Dominik Roschi Sascha Hess Rico Hoessly

TEAM

SPONSOR

fischen.ch fischen.ch fischen.ch fischen.ch Slacoswiss Slacoswiss

107

REF NAME

TEAM

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

REF NAME

POLAND REF NAME

LET’S TALK ABOUT METZ BABY:TOM LLOYD

108

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

‘‘

During my fishing in London, among the plastic bottles, traffic cones and discarded bicycles, its amazing what monsters lurk

LET’S TALK ABOUT METZ BABY:TOM LLOYD

We may all share the same passion for the sport, but when it comes to choice of rod, reel, line and lure, every angler has their own opinion on what’s best for success. So, indulge me while I talk a bit about street fishing!

‘‘ W

hatever style of lure fishing you’re into now, the streets probably got you into it. Low in cost and highly accessible, it’s the best way to get into the sport. And for some of us, it holds us captive – we don’t move away.

I feel that you can’t beat having the ability to pop out on lunch break at work and go fishing for 20 minutes, or in the evening while dinner’s cooking. Being so close to the busiest offices and most ‘sardine-rammed’ trains, I could never feel further away from the city! I know a lot of others share the same passion.

To welcome the World Predator Classic Street Fishing Event in Metz, let’s talk about the subject, STREET FISHING. Grab a light combo, a small bag, net and away you go! It’s my favourite way to indulge in the sport and it’s so surprising what you can catch from areas that look like nothing should really live there. During my fishing in London, among the plastic bottles, traffic cones and

discarded bicycles, its amazing what monsters lurk.

I use both bait casters and fixed spool reels for my lure fishing, and generally I use light lures. 2-10g is the range I find myself frequenting. Finesse is my main approach and there’s more to it than just going into the shop and buying a rod, reel and some line. The physics and options behind the perfect setup play a big part, building that ideal setup for where you are fishing takes a lot of thought.

Rods: The Weighty Issue When considering which rod to buy, you need to look at where you are fishing and what you are fishing for.

Larger species may require heavier lures, so obviously a rod with a heavier casting weight is important. But there’s more to it than that.

Fishing a small river is very different to a big one. You may be Fishing for smaller species like Perch, using smaller lures, but if there’s flow, you’ll need heavier weights to get down to the bottom.

Alternatively, it may be really snaggy in the spots you fish, so going lighter on your weights

LET’S TALK ABOUT METZ BABY:TOM LLOYD

will mean you can still get to the bottom, but with less force, so your hook is less likely to get stuck in the rubbish. Using a longer rod will get better distance on the cast, and that’s where the reel comes into things.

110

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

Keeping it Reel Using a longer rod to get distance, you’ll want a reel to match.

Casting further creates the need for more line, and so you’ll need a bigger reel. Step up in this case from a 1000, to 2500 for example. The spool will be bigger to hold more line, but the bigger the spool, the less the line is coiled. So it will come off the reel better. A 3000 sized reel on a 7gr rod isn’t as silly as it looks! Don’t forget to pick a line to suit.

Drawing the Line: The thinner the line, the better it will cast, because it will cut the air easier, think of cheese wire!

This also means it will cut the water easier, so you can afford to use lighter weights as your rig will sink quicker. Thin lines are also handy for keeping in contact with your lure in windy conditions. There’s nothing worse than having no clue what’s going on at the end of your line.

Just don’t forget that you still need to match the line to the species you are Fishing for! 3kg braid is useless if you’re fishing for big Pike! It can work, and I’ve caught 11kg Pike on 4kg line, but it definitely isn’t ideal. You may want to use heavier line to get fish away from snags, or have more chance retrieving lures when they get stuck!

I like to go Finesse, the thinner lines, lighter lures, fine gauged hooks. That’s my bag. Not only does it allow me to catch the smaller fish, but big ones too! My favourite species has to be the Perch. They’re supercharged, inquisitive killers.

The distinctive headshakes of a good Perch will put a smile on anybodys face!

The Lure of Success Lure choice is where every angler will disagree, and that’s a good thing! There’s so many different shapes and sizes.

Paddle tails, split tails, creature baits, cranks, swimbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, tail baits, you name it!

Here’s the secret… THEY ALL WORK. Every lure has its day, sometimes a hard lure will catch a fish that wasn’t interested in that shad you just twitched past it, but that doesn’t mean that every lure is equal. They all do different tasks. How far does it dive? How erratic is the action? What does the colour mimic? How soft is the plastic? Watercraft is an important skill to use on the bank.

Looking at the conditions, natural forage, water clarity and time of year makes a big difference. Sprinkle in ‘something’ we both love and hate, and you can have a good session! That ‘something’ by the way, is luck!

Hopefully, the above has got you thinking at a slightly different angle. Tight Lines. n THOMAS LLOYD

‘‘

Sprinkle in ‘something’ we both love and hate, and you can have a good session! That ‘something’ by the way, is luck!

ADRIAN PRON:THE FRENCH CONNECTION

‘‘ T

he story of Street Fishing all started in Paris back in the early 90’s, on the picturesque Seine.

Once famed for being the ‘City of Lovers’, the French capital, adored by tourists and fashionistas alike, was quickly gaining attention for other less obvious reasons … a revolutionary new style of fishing was breaking the angling mould and attracting a younger, cooler, predator-hungry audience …

I’ll return to this beautiful city at the end of this article.

Street Fishing was initially adopted by younger anglers who didn’t have the opportunity to travel far out of the city and look for predators in distant rivers or lakes, so they

began to fish in the centre of Paris amid the bustle of thousands of tourists … dodging traffic and casting from busy quaysides.

This new fishing craze subsequently brought about a whole new street culture with specialist clothing, accessories and rods designed for newly- created fishing techniques that suited the city’s jungle environment. Forget the flat cap and wellies image – street fishing anglers wear jeans, t-shirts, baseball caps and trendy trainers now. Camouflage shades have been replaced with colourful costumes and, over time, street fishing teams have created their own individual logos and designs.

And forget the mass of fishing equipment usually taken to the waterside, the new breed of urban angler will carry just a short rod or reel with lures in the pocket or a lightweight backpack. It’s easy to travel by public transport or to cycle and easy to take a break in a local bar or bistro.

Word of these cool, young anglers wandering among the crowded streets of Paris, quickly spread, creating a buzz throughout the angling internet world and produced surprising results – more and more anglers from France, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Germany and Poland began to follow them and savvy tackle companies, such as Dragon Fishing Equipment, began producing products specifically geared to urban fishing. Today, it’s easy to recognise anglers in city centres we meet on the way to work, during a lunch break or fishing in the evenings who belong to a particular brand and sponsor.

In today’s busy culture, where time is precious, it’s all about getting to the water and catching as quickly as possible – making every

N O D R WO S T E E R T S E TH

ADRIAN PRON ON THE FRENCH FISHING REVOLUTION

ADRIAN PRON:THE FRENCH CONNECTION

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

N THAT’S GAINING MORE AND MORE RECRUITS

113

Metz you can’t wait ... Metz boasts the beautiful Moselle and Seille rivers, canals and over 15km of shoreline intended for anglers

WORD ON

THE STREETS minute count on its banks. In addition, we have learnt that street noise does not seem to bother the fish, so every cast counts!

By 2014, the popularity of street fishing was fast-becoming a multinational sport and a competitive one at that. It seemed only natural that in order to meet the demands and expectations of these competitive street fishing anglers, a world championship competition should be created – and in June 2014, the World Predator Classic was born.

The first ever WPC competition took place in a country ideally suited to an organisation of such rank – the Netherlands. The tourist town of Hellevoetsluis, boasting a large population of predators, canals and beautiful rivers hosted the inaugural event, attracting competitors from around the world and has done so for the last five years.

The World Predator Classic competitions were played simultaneously in three

categories, over five days – the winning categories being Street Fishing, Boats and Kayaks.

The unique atmosphere created by these anglers and the experiences shared during the five-day event is the quintessence of what the organisers wanted to create.

The success of the World Predator Classic was proof that anglers from all over were willing to travel and participate in this type of competition and it soon became clear, as more and more competed, that there was an opportunity to unite fishermen more often than just once a year.

It was this that encouraged me to create my own competition with Dragon – with the aim of integrating Polish anglers from all over Europe.

So, one of the most popular spinning competitions in the Netherlands was set up – the Spinning Dutch Adventure Catch & Release.

This involves four events a year, with over 500 anglers participating from all over Europe and an additional two events devoted to Street Fishing – perfectly fulfilling the spinning season in the spirit of friendly competition.

Each Spinning Dutch Adventure Catch & Release event has a different form and these are individual or team competitions.

This allows for integration and rapid exchange of experiences between players. The places where the Spinning Dutch Adventure Catch & Release competition takes place are also selected so that each of the competitors has a chance to show their best side.

Not only are these events a great opportunity to meet other anglers, form strong friendships and gain more experience of other waters, the winners from the Netherland’s “Spinning Dutch Adventure” and “Street Fishing Poland” tournaments automatically qualify for the “World Street Fishing’ event, previously known as World Predator Classic - Street Fishing.

Having originally been a side-event of the World Predator Classic, the Street Fishing

Event was gaining momentum and growing so rapidly, the decision was made to ‘rebrand’ the competition.

With the competitors in mind, everything was created from scratch, starting with more friendly rules, moving the venue to Frwance and to the beautiful city of Metz, where the first World Street Fishing event will take place and where 300 participants from 13 countries will take part.

Metz boasts the beautiful Moselle and Seille rivers, canals and over 15km of shoreline intended for the anglers and there are magnificent specimens hidden in these waters – ideal conditions for the selection, the best of the best.

I’d like to give huge thanks to the French Fishing Federation for their invaluable help and we are sure that this will be a competition in which every angler will want to take part.

The fact that angler may be a novice or an experienced angler, does not matter, as this is the point – if you’re going to learn, learn from the best and exposing yourself to the various fishing techniques of others will result in rapid progress.

Metz will be a real test for anglers, as not only do you need to demonstrate knowledge of the three basic predators we fish most often – pike, Zander and perch – but you will also have to have practical knowledge about chubs, asp, barbel and even catfish which you’ll find a lot of in French waters.

So, back to Paris – the historical Mecca of Street Fishing – where it all began. In order not to keep you in suspense any longer, I will just say this … 26.10.2019 - WORLD STREET FISHING ..PARIS! Yes, you heard me right and you could be part of it. Just follow our web site www. worldstreetfishing.com for details, but remember there are only a limited number of spaces! n ADRIAN PRON TEAM DRAGON NEDERLAND

‘‘

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

ADRIAN PRON:THE FRENCH CONNECTION

‘‘

Metz will be a real test for anglers .. not only do you need to have knowledge of the three basic predators – but you will also have to have practical knowledge about chubs, asp, barbel and even catfish

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM 115

ALL ABOUT METZ:UNDER THE MICRSOPE

Small wonders

116

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

As a brand new location for this year’s event, we are just as excited as you are to discover what lurks in Metz’s waters

T

he World Predator Classic is known mostly for its Street Fishing Events in Hellevoetsluis, but with the event being separated from the boat category this year, it has allowed a stunning new venue to come to light. A venue we have been very excited to host a competition at, is Metz, France.

Alongside its fascinating history, there is some amazing fishing to be enjoyed, and that is why we have chosen Metz.

Located right on the border with Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, close to the Netherlands and with easy access to the UK, Poland and the rest of Europe. Metz is at the

centrepoint of convenience for all anglers’ travels. The event will be nostalgic to many, as it was France that started the street fishing phenomenon.

Close to 300 anglers will be present at this year’s event and they will have over 15km of great fishable bank space including city centre, rivers, canals, weirs and bridges to keep the event very exciting. Pike, Perch, Zander, Chub and Asp are present in these waters and in great amounts too. wboth playing the numbers or size game.

Hard baits have been working well for the Perch numbers, while swimbaits and soft baits have been producing the pike and zander in the deeper, faster water.

With a natural forage of insects, shrimp and crayfish, creature bait style lures will for

‘‘ Bank on it ... Lily pads are often a good omen for pike fishing

With a natural forage of insects, shrimp and crayfish, creature bait style lures will account for some big predators

INTERESTIN G FACT.. FRA N C E CURRENTLY H A S 9 SPECIES OF CRAYFISH PRESENT IN NAT ENVIRONME URAL NTS!

sure be accounting for some big predators.

The Fishing space available for the competition has also been widened. Now there are two more banks that anglers can fish from during the event. These areas are located on opposite banks of the Moselle near the Metz camping site. This water looks very interesting for all species as the margins of the camp site bank are shallow and weedy and at this time of year you can see a smattering of lily pads. These places are usually where you can find good pike fishing as the weather improves after the spawn.

In the middle and toward the far margin, where the larger fishing area is, you’ll find the deeper waters where you might expect zander to be hiding. The water clarity can vary from clear to muddy, so having a wide variety of lures to use would be a smart choice.

One of our street fishing ambassadors Tom Lloyd said: “Metz has waters varying in size – some parts of the river are very wide. I would use a longer rod with a larger reel and fine line to maximise my casting distance.

‘The longer rod would also help me to get over the bushes and reeds that may be in-between myself and a hooked fish. As the water may be deep in areas, I may have to make long casts. A fine braided line will give me the best of both worlds.”

THE ART OF URBAN PLANNING:TOM LLOYD

Boys behaving badly... Me and my good mate Adrian Pron

‘‘ F

inally, it’s here again.

Another great event from Angling Spirit.

Every year anglers are brought together for these competitions in Street, Boat and Carp fishing. We spend all year looking forward to the event, while reminiscing the past one simultaneously!

TEAM SPIRIT Metz event. Upon print of this article, how long do you reckon it will take for my phone to vibrate off the table?

Working with Angling Spirit is a great experience for us all. We build unbreakable relationships and create unforgettable memories, but there are also sleepless nights and full days without proper eating, sometimes MONTHS before the events. I appreciate everyone present at the competitions and I hope the World Predator Classic Street Fishing Event this year in Metz is as good an experience as every other event Angling Spirit coordinate.

Best Of Luck! n TOM LLOYD

‘‘

Ross, is his ability to forward think. An idea for next year is no longer just an idea an hour’s drive later! He constantly looks at how things can be improved, then looks at what could go wrong and improves that.Those that know Ross personally will agree. Now for the worst thing about Ross. Brutal? No! As I said, Ross plans ahead, but what that does mean is that plans can change quicker than traffic lights!

‘Tom it’s late, let’s call it a night.’ Ok, I’ll pack up my laptop and camera equipment. We get in the car, 10 minutes later we’re in a 300hp Nitro in the middle of the Haringvliet at midnight. That, is how his mind works and that is just one of many stories I could tell about Ross Honey. If you’d like to know more, I can share the ‘good stuff’ at the

119

Another critically vital team at every event, the marshals! The events could not happen without marshals. It would be impossible.

They make sure things go smoothly, helping anglers at any time of the day (or night), policing the events to ensure things are fair and everyone is happy. It’s not an easy job, the guys really exhaust themselves and we should all appreciate the time they give to make a few days in a year enjoyable for all of us.

Last but not least, Yep, you’ve guessed it. Sorry Ross, I’ll be kind… Working with Ross Honey is… a special experience. You won’t forget it, that’s for sure. ‘Strict fun’ is the best way I can describe it! Ross plans every little detail and prepares for every circumstance possible. It’s a fine-combed approach and while the schedules can be full on at times, my brain is now programmed to automatically appreciate it. The best thing about

Building unbreakable relationships and creating unforgettable memories is what it’s all about!

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

Being surrounded by a community of likeminded people sharing nothing but good vibes and positivity is an amazing feeling, but these competitions don’t start when the anglers begin fishing, and they don’t end when prizes are given. Ross and Marianne work extremely hard to make things happen and there’s many more people involved in the running of these events that are equally as important.

Media plays a big part in these events. The event in Hellevoetsluis last year, for example, saw BT Sports, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, national televised news and newspapers too!

Cameras at every angle, every hour, snapping away, storing real life moments on compact memory cards. We work in a large team and I look forward to seeing them all, every year.

I began working the events in 2016, covering the social media, following anglers, digitally Shooting the breeze ... Ross and I share a less-pressured moment during last year’s Street Fishing event blogging every memorable moment. I’ve made some great friends, Adrian Pron and Jacek Czerwinski for example, POLO DISCO. Pete Castle – or as I now call him, ‘dad’ – is a name I must mention. Pete has worked with Angling Spirit much longer than I have. Many of you will know him, as his images make it to a lot of your profile pictures! He has been incredibly influential to me and taught me so much about photography. Pete will always take the time to explain where I could improve my imaging, and I’m incredibly grateful for it!

Did you know, last year the World Carp Classic Facebook page reached over 1,000,000 people across the globe? I can honestly say, that despite it being a goal achieved by the social media team combined, Pete was at the forefront of it.

‘‘

WORLD STREET FISHING

THE RULES

As with any major competition, there has to be rules... not because we enjoy laying down the law, but to ensure fair play and respect for the enviroment, other anglers and most importantly, the fish To begin, we would like to welcome all competitors to the World Street Fishing 2019 Event.

To really enjoy competing in any major sporting event it is vitally important to have confidence in the Competition Officials and referees. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Umpire in the Wimbledon Final, The Referee in the FIFA World Cup Final or the an Official at the World Street Fishing competition – having these experienced and knowledgeable marshals ensures a fair and unbiased event fairness is key.

As you will most likely be aware by now, The World Street Fishing Event is a strict no-kill catch & release event with fish welfare being of prime importance at all time.

In addition, showing respect to the environment and the people of Metz is just as equally important.

The competition will only take place on the banks highlighted in GREEN on the printed map on the scorecard and anglers must stay on public access banks.

Fishing in waders, from boats, or any kind of private properties is forbidden. Nor can anglers use any kind of transport, including car, bike, rollers, skateboard etc, or get a lift/ride by a 3rd party.

Any acts of deliberate pollution (ie rubbish etc) of the water or land will carry a 3-year ban in any Angling Spirit WSF event.

These rules are devised to make this tournament a fair, good-spirited and a celebration of fishing, so please read and respect them and have an amazing experience! n ROSS HONEY

Show and tell ... One Catch Record option is to gently place the fish on the official ruler showing clearly the competitor’s unique ID card along with the witness card of the angler he has been paired with n Streetfishing is CPR (Catch Photo Release) and every fish caught must be handled with care. n You must fish with artificial lures only and flyfishing is not allowed. n Competitors will be coupled randomly but each competitor fishes for himself. A scorecard for each competitor is held by the other competitor. n Couples need to be together during the time of fishing and must keep an appropriate distance between eachother. n You may have two rods, but you may not fish them both at the same time and you must not fish two or more lures at one rod. NO DOUBLE drop shot or drop shot and jighead allowed. Only one artificial lure is allowed per rod. n Always contact a referee if there are any disputes or problems (phone number is on the scorecards). To avoid this, please respect your fellow angler’s water. n Please keep copies of all your catch as these may be asked for by Results Officials for better reading if necessary

Don’ts .. n No alcohol and/or drugs n It’s not allowed to walk on boats n Respect the property of others n Do not fish outside the marked track n Flyfishing is not allowed n Any kind of baiting is forbidden n Not allowed to fish during the official break if any are planned

How points are awarded: The World Street Fishing Champion 2019 will be the angler with the greatest amount of cm recorded over the combined 2 sessions. n In case of a tie and in that order, the winner will be: The angler with the greatest length in session 1, The angler with the greatest length in session 2, The angler with the greatest length on their first pike, second pike until the 5th then going on to Zander & Perch categories in that order.

Fishing must be carried out respecting the spirit and traditions of an international event.

RECORDING A CATCH

120

n Your catch must always be measured in the presence of the angler you have been paired with. If necessary, anglers can request assistance by sending an SMS to SF HQ with Zone reference – number and zones reference are provided on score cards. n Fish must be unhooked on an unhooking mat. To validate the catch, 2 pictures are required: Picture 1: on the Official Ruler showing

clearly the competitor’s unique ID card along with the witness card of the angler he has been paired with.

Picture 2: with the angler holding the fish and with his unique ID card clearly visible.

On both pictures, we need to see the fish’s LEFT FLANK. n Please take great care when releasing fish back to the water.Any fish not alive when released or any fish dropped on the ground will void any points allowanced.

Every fish that follows the criteria below will be awarded points: n Only fish of or above the legal size: 1 cm=1 point. n Only full centimeters will be recorded. If the fish goes over the length marker, the next full centimeter number will be recorded.

– Once the fish quota per species is reached, 1 cm for any fish above minimal length is then awarded.

Example: 7 zander of 50 cm - Total points (50x5) + (2x1) = 252 cm n Anglers must have placed their completed Catch Card in the box before the end of the session is sounded. After that point, you will receive a 5cm deduction per minute for up to a maximum of 15 minutes. Thereafter the card will be void.

Only pictures submitted as follows will be allowed: n Recorded via Angling Spirit App from a mobile phone n Sent via Personal Message to World Street Fishing Official Facebook Page n Given to Result Desk at the time the scorecard is being handed – this must be completed prior to sound signal marking the end of the competition.

Pictures of fish with any of the following points below will not be counted: n Bloodstained; fish lips not touching the black line; hand on top of fish; dead fish; fish not showing left flank; angler & witness ID card not complete or clearly visible. n Poor exposure will void the entry with no possible re-submission unless requested by Result Desk.

Minimum legal size & maximum number of catches allowed per species: Species Min Length Max Number Pike/Brochet/Hecht 50 cm 5 Zander/Sandre 35 cm 5 Perch/Perche 20 cm 5 Chubs/Chevaine 25 cm 5 Asp/Aspe 40 cm 5

4street: OFFRIR DES PRODUITS INSPIRANTS!

122

WORLDSTREETFISHING.COM

réussit ses gammes !

T

ostedt. Le concept de streefishing est actuellement au centre de toutes les discussions et représente peut-être même la grande mode de la décennie dans le monde de la pêche.

Nos clients aiment le streetfishing parce que cette pêche leur permet de pratiquer leur loisir de manière simple et sans grand déballage matériel et ce très près de chez eux, sur des spots en pleine

ville. On a en fin de compte juste besoin d’une canne courte, d’un sac léger et pratique et c’est parti !

Cette tendance s’est étendue à la population de pêcheurs de beaucoup de villes européennes et il était pour nous évident de proposer une gamme faite sur mesure et répondant exactement aux attentes de ces pêcheurs.

Les pêcheurs trouveront dès à présent sous la marque „4street“ tous

les produits permettant de pratiquer au mieux cette technique.

Nous proposons par exemple des cannes luxueuses, fabriquées avec des matériaux très haut de gamme, des leurres très efficaces tels des softbaits fabriqués dans un matériau japonais respectueux de l’environnement (EFM, Eco-Friendly-Material), des accessoires en tungstène telles des têtes plombées et autres lests qui sont également

en plein dans la tendance du respect environnemental.

La gamme de bagagerie très étudiée est non seulement classe mais aussi très fonctionnelle, permettant au pêcheur de se déplacer loin et sans aucune fatigue ni gène.

La gamme des accessoires de montage est très rationnelle, permettant de créer les montages incontournables comme par exemple le Carolina ou la Texas afin

d’avoir toutes ses chances, même sur des spots très fréquentés. Ces articles seront disponibles dans le commerce vers mimai. n Et voici les liens permettant de trouver 4street : Facebook: facebook.com/4streetfishing Instagram: instagram.com/4street_fishing

ANGLING SPIRIT: SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

We believe as anglers we should all make it our mission to preserve our favourite sport for others to enjoy for centuries to come.

Alongside the main Predator and Carp competitions, Angling Spirit also run various Fishing events throughout the year, targeting the junior anglers.

These events allow younger anglers to compete in their own category, representing their countries and going up against the best juniors on the planet. Countries like Canada, Poland, Wales, Ukraine, Hungary and more going head to head, putting their watercraft to the test. There’s more to it than just Fishing though. The cultural diversity present at these events is an extraordinary experience for the anglers and a real eye-opener to the sport, in a global way.

Sustainability is about looking to the long term. The ethos of Angling Spirit is to promote angling in a responsible manner; to organise and stage events with the betterment of angling as our focus. Our aim is to make a difference, responsibly, and we are very well aware of the fact that our status, not only in respect of the angling world, but in the eyes of the general public, places a significant onus upon us to ensure that angling is looked upon in a favourable light. In line with this ethos, Angling Spirit will continue to be environmentally responsible and our events will be staged accordingly. Angling Spirit is synonymous with best practice angling and sportsmanship, and our event rules will at all times uphold the true spirit of international competition.

We take caring for the environment very seriously. If you don’t believe us, simply take a walk around the competition zones once the event is over. In no time, the banners, flags, leaflets, posters and other signage that lit up the area are gone. Our carbon footprint is always on the mind, and that’s why we keep litter to a minimum, and always try to recycle where possible. We advise all anglers to help preserve the natural environment, and in some cases punish those who don’t. We intend to lead by example, and our junior events are no exception.

In 2018, we staged the fourth World Carp

We intend on continuing to influence the younger generation in the hope of getting more juniors into angling

Classic 2018 Junior event at the amazing Scandarello lake in central Italy.

As the event was all about the juniors and the next generation of angling, there was no entry fee, all transport, including catering was covered – everything was provided for free. In many cases, even the team’s bivvys and bed chairs were provided on a complimentary basis. The World Carp Classic Junior aims to use the World Carp Classic close-knit community to enthuse the next generation to the joy of carp angling and the power of a community sharing a same passion can benefit others less fortunate.

We intend on continuing to influence the younger generation in the hope of getting more juniors into angling, and we hope you can appreciate just how valuable both yours, and their support is.

Here’s to the generation to come.

125

‘‘

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

S

ince 1998, Angling Spirit has been backing junior angling all the way.

Children will always be the future of the sport, so it’s vital that we leave them the blueprints to a sustainable future of angling joy.

RHEINDLANDBOOTE: PERFECT FISHING HOLIDAY PACKAGES

N O T E G

!

D R BOA

126

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

hing holiday of n, tio Imagine the fis a beautiful loca n your dreams – io at od m m co ac superb holiday at right at your bo and your own be und to good to so ... s fingertip true? d many have

azy – an Well, call us cr dBoote we at Rheinlan and t ha w 's at x bo – but th e th t inking ou are all about. Th reality. sa making dream better than spending a What could be land? holiday in Hol relaxing fishing ng holiday in Holland, A relaxing fishi to drift where you boat with your own 's what. own pace, that me in ur yo at , se oo ho ch ay lid ho ul autif Add to that a be h of the Netherlands ut So rfect the North or you have the pe and we believe t is to scenario. oote, all we wan At RheinlandB es. And that can nc rie offer great expe the right people at ith only happen w d port side. an your starboard e complete fishing th r fe of n ca We have e's no need to package. Ther eat fishing gr a ve ha to your own boat ges r travel-packa vacation. All ou fully rigged aluminum n, er include mod t you up We will also se fishing boats. e either m ho ay ul holid with a beautif holiday nt on a excelle in a marina or uth of the so or h rt no the boat on park in either ur yo ith ways w Netherlands. Al of your holiday home. ce spitting distan

t dard The Right Boa thing as a stan

ch There is no su fishing boat. eference wishes and pr The personal e as the rs ve di as e ar al of each individu ing, the waters we et fish we are targ shion sense of each e fa th d an e or pl ex woman. ds of fisherman and ndpicked bran ha 3 r With ou

we can put we believe that fishing-boats boat. you in the right ning and A solid self-drai : n Pikehunter rdable choice affo thus safe and 5mm of sturdy e: ur nt ve n Alu nditions y for rough co ad re aluminum build and ats: Beautifully n Ranger Bo d pe lo brilliantly deve for is good enough st be Only the otors m ng lli tro e us our boats! We from a, Fishfinders from MinnKot tboards are ou r ou d an Humminbird . from Mercury

oats for Sale: Aluminum bfor a test drive.

Testing-center y a pig in a poke? We bu Who wants to ns from the all our locatio in s at bo ve ha d in diverse an e bl la ai ds av u to be different bran yo r fo y . All read configurations North tested. sistance in the any Service and as m er G of h d the sout oss the the middle an cr to ts an w e o on is available. N m occurs. when a proble entire country hen w ise r prom We will keep ou oote dB an nl ei Rh e. ic it comes to serv iced and repaired in rv boats can be se and of course in the er ey Sp , ln Kö , el Ki s. nd rla With Nethe possibility too, lp you Financing is a r n he te ca e ar w ch es t ag oa ck b pa Aluminum et is the largest in The our financing . eam come true Our charter fle we operate from three to make this dr d an s Netherland locations.

RHEINDLANDBOOTE: PERFECT FISHING HOLIDAY PACKAGES

‘‘

There's no need to have your own boat to have a great fishing vacation. All our travelpackages include modern, fully rigged aluminum fishing boats.

orkshops can Guidings & W we a boat novice,

If you're bit of g license, ng your boatin assist with getti st fishing waters’, help e be teach you guidings’ in th through locks, you to navigate finder and more. htrain to operate a fis kshops we can During our wor r, more comfortable e bette you to becom eded. ne re he w r sailo

d right Angler an ssible with the ce ac e ud dO n't and Volkerak an boat.

North Holland e fishing, but do . nd la ol H rn Finally, feel lik ! he m ut le So ob in pr e e o N th ng a ? ly d To ense Not on , but also modation an have a boat lic fishing holiday r fleet can be There's accom stes. unforgettable ng boats in ou but some hi fis ta n. y l io al an at it M od su m to m ideal for location t a license, the right acco andBoote, you are y these areas are pike, erated withou in op er at nl w ei e If you have an Rh Th at d Here a boat license. hesitate to ke perch an hing trip in pi ire fis h, qu a rc r re fo pe s r fo nd s t fishing se do no in the best ha the right e very nutritiou questions, plea s: There is just e the waters ar the Netherland ersports fans: fantastic becaus h variety is therefore ! us t ac nt co wat -off and invite and the fis landscape for e ready for take e can see, ar ey e e e.

W th rg as la r ly fa ar ly se on particul ard. harbors. lakes, canals as aces are of cour you to get on bo and countless But the best pl beautiful towns ost popular Some of the m iesland in www.rheinland-boot.de info@rheinlandboote.de Holland are Fr st de inations in

ns and Great Locatioion at od m om Acc rt of an right boat is pa

JUST FOR LAUGHS: WHAT GOES ON AT THE WPC ...

s one!

There’s alway

Winston Churchill makes sensational appearance at fishing event Ah merde! How do I get all this stuff home on the bike?

128

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

NOW TRENDING..

Facial hair and plenty of it

Now there’s a Finnline between fantasy and reality!

AND NOW FOR THE ..

‘FINNIES’ It’s uncanny!

LOOK OUT ROSS! ROSS! ...ROSS! ... LOOK OUT! ...YOU’ LL HIT THE ...DOH!

That’s it .. now move your fin a little .. ooh yeah ..

They’re all behind you Ross..

FISH PORN ...WHEN THE FUN STOPS .. STOP!

Johan was b itt saw it was ch erly dissappointed wh en eese and pic kle ... again! he

'Okay boys ... here it is ...which one of you wanted my Bitterballen recipe?”

After a few drinks, there was utter confusion over who’s zone was who’s

And this is what happens when they hear there’s free drinks at the bar

With a few minutes to kill, Ross popped over to the local nagelsalon and was delighted with the results ... Predator Red!

Ludwig doing his final prep before his big Groucho impression

TEACH A CHILD TO FISH

CHILD FRIENDLY Kendall, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?

When I retired from the NFL in 2007, I wanted to teach fishing so I started Teach a child to Fish.

I saw that not a lot of African American were in angling and fishing bass tournaments. Something I loved to do growing up in Decatur.

I didn’t want to give back by teaching football.

I felt that kids needed something else to do other than regular stick and ball sports. My dad taught me how to fish and I wanted to teach other youth to fish but not only to fish but to fish for their dreams in life that one day they would catch them and be successful.

I put something down on paper and went to the local Walmart and wait for kids or adults to come by and ask questions about fishing and Teach a Child to Fish was born. It was trying at times to get people to stop and talk about fishing but a few at a time did.

There were many days where one person would show up and then two to three would show up. After I saw that the lessons were getting better, I planned our first fishing outing at Buford Trout Hatchery. I would always do training classes on youth fishing clinics and trade shows until one day I got invited to meet with Bass pro shops.

That meeting helped us so much and I was so excited that they really wanted to work with me as an angler and Teach a Child to Fish. (TACTF) From there, we planned more events and I fished more tournaments as an ambassador for the NFL and a mentor to young people.

Let’s dig a little deeper – has it been an easy path overall?

Please tell us about Teach a Child to Fish

Our mission is to teach and mentor youth through fishing programs, to help them find their own true value of life and to preserve and protect the great outdoors.

Teaching kids about life, not just about fishing, is what we specialize in. Fishing gives us a way to slow things down so we can have a heart to heart talk about real issues a group of kids is going through. We are most proud of our company because we can really say we meet kids and adults where they need that space or moment in life where everything comes together.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?

I can still remember walking down the bank on WestPoint Lake in LaGrange, GA and my dad telling me to cast down the bank and after getting hung in the rocks and trees, again and again, until caught my first largemouth bass. I hit the line and I caught it on my own. The feeling I felt then was shocking and exciting at the same time and it’s still the same way now whenever I catch a bass.

My childhood was full of fishing outings, basketball and football games in the backyard with my brothers and fighting with my sisters about not doing what they ask of me.

Childhood, man! Do I miss it? Sorry. We have to grow up but as long as I got my fishing pole, I can fish like a child every day.

www.teachachildtofish.net e: tactf.gofish@gmail.com Facebook: kendall newson

Young children need to have something good happen to them that they can control at an early age and that’s what catching your first fish gives them

WORLDPREDATORCLASSIC.COM

The road has been pretty smooth. Not really a lot of fuss when it comes to fishing and teaching children how to fish. When you see kids catching fish with their parents for the first time, it’s priceless!

Young children need to have something good happen to them that they can control at an early age and that’s what catching your first fish gives them. A sense of independence in finishing a task.

‘‘

Former Miami Dolphins NFL player Kendall Newson has founded the nonprofit organisation Teach A Child to Fish that mentors youth through fishing

131