The Sports Journalism course has a world record holder among its ranks at Solent University in Southampton.
Lecturer Andy Ford is celebrating five years since setting the world record for the largest Spartic trout ever caught, weighing 11lb 15oz shattering the previous record.
His catch at Dever Springs fly fishing farm in Winchester broke the previous record by 2lbs, leaving the Hampshire fisherman stunned.
“It may sound ridiculous, but it was actually very easy to catch that fish. It was one of those right place, right time, right person, right fly moments—everything just fell into place.”
Ford was filming at the time for his BT television show On the Bank and was delighted to capture the “extraordinary creature” on camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KveMJljDEg
“It was a huge privilege to see a fish like that, and to be the angler who caught it, it’s just amazing,” he said.
On that day five years ago, Ford was fishing with Peter Cockwill and admitted he had no idea the catch would break the world record for the largest Spartic trout ever recorded.
“It’s not something that’s on your radar. It was more of a gradual realisation after some research that this was a special fish. When we realised it was a world record, it was just incredible.”
Ford has a lifelong passion for fishing, having picked up his first rod at the age of seven, and says breaking a world record was never his goal.
“You fish for the love of it—for being out in that environment. There’s a very famous saying: ‘Many men go fishing and realise it’s not fish they’re after.’”
While some anglers dedicate their lives to chasing records, Ford insists the enjoyment of the sport remains the most important part.
“I’m just as happy catching a tiny three-ounce roach as I am catching a world-record Spartic trout.”
Our video journalists, who have been exploring how difficult different sports are for amateurs in recent weeks, spent the day with Ford yesterday.
To see just how challenging fly fishing can be, watch our video package here.
