Rich Shelley

From the age of 8 I can clearly remember the thrill of wondering the back streams and "ditches" for sticklebacks, gudgeon and if I was lucky, one of those red fined Roach as every exploration around those little streams captured my thoughts and dreams, every chance I got. Today that same passion and desire remains as I think myself lucky to see what I have seen and be where my fishing adventures take me within what Mother Nature shares amongst all us anglers.

My fishing soon saw me chasing Barbel and Chub on the rivers and fishing as a junior every week amongst the "old folk" within club matches. It was not until a visit to a then local "pond" with a friend to try and catch our first Tench was I to see my first Carp. After spotting these larger beasts sunning themselves temptation got the better of me and my packed lunch, where my sandwich was soon airborne on my little rod and coiled line whilst crouching in the nettles. This resulted in my first carp of around 8lbs and the little "pond" in question was none other than Wellington Country Park.

Now living in South Wales for almost 20 years, my carp fishing sees me travelling back across the bridge on a regular basis to the Gravel Pits around Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Cotswolds whilst juggling a busy and hectic workload with Fox. Rich has a current UK personal best of 41lb, which was a lovely common carp.

I join the many other weekend anglers and welcome every step that takes me that little closer to capturing my next dream.

Tight lines where ever your adventures take you.