"Is it possible anyone other than Jamie Hughes can be Match Angler of the Year?" - Keith Arthur

Once again I see it’s time for the Angling Times awards… and there are some interesting decisions to make.

River of the year? While the Hampshire Avon will surely be in the running to usurp the Thames as River of the Year - and both have produced some stunning catches - both the Trent and Wye must also be in with a good shout. Even the Severn, described as ‘dead’ by some top names last season, has been excellent much of the time.

As for the champion Stillwater, Tamar Lakes must be right up there especially as some challengers, such as Ferry Meadows, Southfields and Bough Beech seem to have peaked and are now falling away, although I’m sure it’s temporary and probably conditions-related.

There is one decision though on which there can surely be no debate: is it possible anyone other than Jamie Hughes can be Match Angler of the Year? Lee Kerry and Andy Bennett would be shoo-ins in other years but not this year, surely!

I’m looking forward to reading the results in next week’s issue…

(Winners will be revealed in our December 10th Christmas special)