The winners were voted for by the angling community via the Canal & River Trust Angling Facebook page. Followers of the page could choose from the monthly winners throughout 2016, for both a junior and senior age group prize.
The winners of each competition received a stunning underwater painting which was kindly donated by artist David Miller:
- Junior competition winner: Ernest Harrison. Aged three and making his angling debut, Ernest caught his very first fish, a roach, whilst out fishing with his dad on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
- Senior competition winner: Sam Jefferys. Sam, who also regularly fishes along the canals in London and on the River Lee Navigation, caught a stunning Linear Carp along the Waterway Wanderers section of the Regents Canal. Weighing a massive 35lbs it is thought to be one of the largest carps to have been caught on the canals in London.
John Ellis, our national angling and fisheries manager said: "We had a great response to the competition, with over 120 entrants submitting their catches each month via our Facebook page, and I'm especially pleased to see so many youngster getting hooked and giving fishing a go.
"Our canals are brimming with life and are home to over 20 native fish species. Fishing is a really fun sport and its cheap to get into. There isn't much you need, just a rod, some bait, licence and permit and a nice spot to fish - it's a great way to spend a day!"
join the discussion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Canalrivertrustangling
To view work by David Miller visit David Miller Art
