World Catfish Classic - Official Global Website
Chiprana, Spain 23rd - 25th May 2012
| Part2- The first ever World Catfish Classic |
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This would be very interesting as there was an average section, a good section and a very good section and the winner would have to fish very well to be crowned champion. Monday evening was also supposed to see the big football match taking place between the Catfish All Stars (the willing anglers) against the local Chiprana team but the weather took charge. It rained so hard that the game had to be called off because of a waterlogged pitch and postponed to Thursday evening.  Tuesday I completed the pegging, which had been reasonably straightforward apart from the water suddenly dropping by about 2m and causing one or two late headaches as areas that were suitable no longer were and vice versa.Still it was done now and too late to change anything as signage had been done and competitors had maps of the swim numbers. During the afternoon the final competitors registered and I gave a briefing to the marshals who would play a very important role over the coming three days of the event. Therefore I explained how the catfish needed to be weighed in the new slings, properly recorded and information relayed back to HQ and how to assist media in their task, without forgetting a review of the more fundamental rules.  Everything was drawing ever closer to the opening in a few hours. The marshals then had to rush off and practice their flag waving entrance and bringing the prize for the biggest catfish - The Boat into the arena.Competitors and spectators were invited to converge to the church early evening for a flag waving, drum thumping march through the village until they reached the opening ceremony arena. This was all covered by live TV, and more TV, cameras and press than you can imagine. Meanwhile I was tucked away in the media centre with head of administration, Marianne, preparing the peg numbers for the all important draw, each draw ticket checked and double checked before it is placed in its sealed container and then recounted to ensure a 100% fail safe draw.  Then it was off to the opening ceremony, the speeches and the wonderful food the local ladies had put on. It was exceptional and delicious and enjoyed by one and all. The draw was what everyone was waiting for and it was now under way. Nervous competitors going up on stage and deciding their fate for the next 3 days; also receiving their Berkley weigh sling, conservation sack and gloves.The draw went smoothly and to plan and everyone was off into the night for an early night, the competition would begin in the morning. I wish I could say I had an early night but I was out until the early hours with the Police checking local anglers who still thought it was okay to fish in the competition area.  The Guardia did a fantastic job in explaining the matter and directing them to other areas. Eventually I got to bed only for some big big winds to hit the area. I knew this would cause trouble not least for the peg numbers which could be torn from stakes but more for possibly not allowing boats on the water.I couldn’t sleep with the winds. So at 5 o’clock with a head torch I headed out onto the banks for an emergency pegging operation. As expected few numbers had been torn by the wind but worse some had been removed by anglers we had thrown off earlier with the Guardia. Re-pegging was done in pitch black and made it back just on-time to HQ just before seven for a coffee and a final word with the marshals before they were taken out to their sections. This was it - competitors were at their swims ready, marshals were ready, media teams were ready and more importantly were the catfish ready? 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 bang!!! It was away for the first ever World Catfish Classic. |
