Essex Angler Achieves International Street Fishing Gold

Ben Sharp, an angler from Essex, secured a gold medal at an international street fishing event. He and his competition partner, Nick Wilson, earned this award by accumulating a higher score than any other pair. Furthermore, Sharp and Wilson were part of a six-member team representing England at the third Street Fishing World Championships, held in Peschiera del Garda, northern Italy, where the national team finished in second place. Street fishing is characterized as a rapid, urban form of angling, distinct from traditional fishing. Participants transport all their gear and compete to claim advantageous positions on canals, rivers, and lakes. Sharp, who resides in Stock near Chelmsford, commented on his achievement, stating, “To get a gold has still not quite sunk in. When you make a plan and it comes together… there’s something very special about it. You can’t explain it.” Wilson is from Woking in Surrey. The competition, held in the town situated on the southern shore of Lake Garda, offered two distinct awards: one for the duo of anglers with the highest point total and another for the national team that achieved the highest collective score. Although Sharp and Wilson amassed 149 points, surpassing all other pairs, their fellow English team members were unable to secure a team victory for England, as the French team ultimately took first place. The event took place between October 23 and October 27. According to competition regulations, fishing activities were conducted from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a range of species designated as targets. Securing advantageous fishing locations is subject to intense competition, with participants often scouting prime areas in advance. While Sharp and Wilson typically compete as rivals, this event marked their initial experience fishing collaboratively as a team. Sharp explained their dynamic, stating, “Nick and I fish very differently, which for a team can be a massive benefit. There are going to be some areas where I can provide a bit more use than Nick [and vice versa].” Their opponents included anglers from a multitude of nations, such as Ukraine, France, and The Netherlands.