Special Report

Well Done Harry from all at Stonebridge!

Fisherman of the Year

"The Fish have been counted and the results are in. We have a winner!"

Many of the Stonebridge regulars have demonstrated their fly fishing skills throughout 2007 with some absolutely staggering achievements, including personal best records shattered, Specimen Browns, Blues and even Carp on the fly. One North East Angler applied the overall consistency needed to become Stonebridge's first "Fisherman of the Year".

Congratulations to Durhams Harry Freeman!

Harry's visit to Stonebridge on the 8th January last secured him the title, Harry caught a bag of rainbows including a 14lber all of which fell to a Fluff Cat (Yes I'd like to know what a Fluff Cat is too, fancy sharing it with the rest of us Harry? We are friends honestly!)

If the title of Fisherman of the Year isn't enough incentive for you to take part, then check out Harry's Hamper:

Engraved Fisherman of the Year Mug
Embroidered Fisherman of the Year Cap
Embroidered Fisherman of the Year waist coat patch
Engraved Fly Box (Aluminium)
Stonebridge Jumper
Engraved Stonebridge Reel
Stonebridge Rod
Named on the Lodges Fisherman if the Year Trophy

The Finishing Order

Well done to the following anglers on there achievements on finishing in the top ten! The quality of anglers who have visited Stonebridge over this last year has been incredible so again finishing in the top ten demonstrates a high level of ability, dedication and commitment.

Harry Freeman
Peter Fletcher, Eaglescliffe
Richie Campbell, North East
Billy Campbell, Harrogate
David Kay, Morpeth
Gary Dale
Ted McGuigen, Concett
Keith Lyn
Tom Parker
Ryan Barron, Coxhoe

*Click to enlarge

Nine anglers out of the top ten hale from the North East of England, this is a real credit to the skill and commitment these anglers have shown throughout the year at Stonebridge. The North East is pioneering it's way to the forefront of fly fishing , I believe much of this success comes from the vice, with so many new and deadly patterns being developed there and thankfully shared with the rest of us.

Good Luck To All for 2008! - Message from Richard

The idea for Stonebridge Fisherman of the year top ten came to me after reading Jeff Priests article on Stonebridge in the Trout Fisherman. The basic idea of the top ten was a way of us thanking our regulars for their support.

In the early weeks of the chart we didn't expect it to become as important to our regulars as it has proved to be.The Stonebridge team found it quite exciting as our regulars arrived at the lodge anxious to see how the top ten was going. The banter between them over breakfast was full wind up and humorous through out the year. With strong competition between Billy Campbell and Ritchie Campbell ( none relatives). While they were battling it out between them Harry Freeman was leaping up the chart, with an excellent fisherman named Peter Fletcher who had come back to Stonebridge from the rivers hot on everyones heels.

Congratulations Harry Freeman! We are looking forward to present Harry with his 'goodies' that he will receive for his Fisherman of the Year title (date to be confirmed).

So we are now all excited to see how the new charts will look for 2008. The chart started again form January 8th 2008, our one year anniversary! So once again from the team at Stonebridge....Congratulations Harry! aka Harry the Book.

Also look out for the doubles championship!

Richard