Name: Andy Degville
Age: 51
Hometown: Tamworth
Occupation: End to End Development Manager (Project Manager)
Angling Questions……
UK Specimen Fish of Note: Barbel 15lb 14oz, Chub 6lb
Venues fished: Mainly rivers, the Dove, Derwent, Severn, Anker & Trent
Favourite venue: The River Derwent and Trent
Favourite Methods: Bait and wait, with either a feeder or running lead
Top fishing tip: Feeding is the key to success, feed the right amount, at the right time in the right place
Highlight of angling career: Two come to mind, the first being in 2002, I won both the summer & winter leagues in the South Redditch Angling Club. The other memory that stands out is my first double figure barbel (11lb 10oz) caught from the River Dove at 2.20am, it was the first time I’d played a big fish in the dark. I can still remember the excitement of trying to land the fish and the elation of achieving my goal as I lifted the fish up to take the photos.
Tell Us A Little About Your Angling Life: I’ve been fishing since I was a young lad as my dad was (and still is) a keen angler. Fishing as a child and in my in my teens was just pleasure fishing on local lakes and canals. I didn’t fish much in my twenties, other distractions such as girls & motorcycles got in the way! I started match fishing in the mid-nineties, I had a relatively successful match fishing career, winning many matches, trophies and summer/winter leagues. I switched from match fishing to predominately river fishing around 2010, catching my first double figure barbel in August 2011.
Future Aims & Goals in angling: To continue learning, and improving my fishing techniques and skills. To help support the Barbel Society and promote the Hook Bait company.
What is The Main Food You Eat When You Are On The Bank: As I’m diabetic I need to maintain my blood sugar levels, so I regularly munch on muesli bars, crisps and cheese & onion sandwiches. For a hot snack/drink I eat pot noodles and drink coffee
And Finally, 3 words to describe The Hook Bait Company: Successful, innovative, quality
Non-Angling Questions……
Apart From Fishing What Are Your Other Favourite Sports Or Pastimes: Football and motorcycles. I played football from the age of eight until my late twenties, for my school, local youth club and Sunday league. I’ve owned at least one motorcycle since I was 16, currently I have a 1200cc Harley Davidson Forty Eight
Which Team Do You Support: Liverpool
Favourite Genre Of Music: Rock
Your 5 Favourite Bands: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Metallica, The Pretty Reckless & Lynyrd Skynyrdy
Do You Have Any Pets: A dog (Bichon Frise) called Woody
Favourite Food & Drink: Real Ale, steak & marmite on toast