2014 World Champion James Chalmers

James Chalmers wins the coveted CLA " International Open Speycasting Championship" GAELFORCE Flyfishing won the manufacturers trophy.

The wonderful casting venue at Blenheim Palace beside the idyllic arched bridge is famed for distance casting, creating worthy champions and World Records down the years, it's certainly the firm favourite amongst all the casters and I always look forward to attending... I stood on the bridge on the opening morning of the show looking down the lake towards the grandstand watching the guys casting to qualify and familiarising themselves with the course. Then my mind started wandering, thinking of the years gone by with the wonderful memories I have encountered there, the highs, lows the laughs and disappointments. I have made many genuine friends through the casting scene and also been part of a few rivalries, competition is never straight forward it can bring out the best or the worst in people, there can only be one winner. In order to be a worthy winner you also have to be a good loser, something I have experienced on numerous occasions over the years and have become accustomed to. This year was to prove very special for a number of reasons. The camaraderie was excellent with all competitors freely helping each other, sharing tactics and equipment creating a relaxed atmosphere. This was the first year ever that all competitors were camping on site together and socialising close to the lake, this made a huge difference to us all and I think this alone created harmony, the organisers had done us proud ..The last visit to Blenheim in 2011 was very special with the highlight of the weekend being the grand final when Gerard Downey cast over 70 metres and made history by breaking the previous world record three times in five casts. I stood on the bridge wondering if this could be beaten over the weekend if conditions became favourable. I cast my mind further back to 2008 and will always remember a very good friend the late Knut Syrstad who sadly passed in May of this year casting some of the finest distances with the tightest of loops any of us had ever witnessed. Knut certainly made us all sit up and take notice, this urged us all too start practicing. This year I came prepared for the weekend with some practice beforehand, something which cannot be taken for granted using 18foot rods matched with long heads as muscle and tendon injuries can occur. I felt fully prepared and very relaxed for the weekend ahead, confident in my new lightweight range of Equalizer rods and lines. I was ready for the competition, in fact I was really looking forward to it as all the big hitters were in town past and present World Champions who have made very successful careers in the industry and have flourished. The common theme for everyone was that it all started at the CLA casting in this prestigious competition. The excitement was building: the biggest fear in my mind was being hit by a bolt of lightning from the threatening storms passing overhead all weekend...

Preparation for the final, The game face.

The Winning Cast.

Pictued from left:Michael Evans,Chris Ogborne,The Duke of Marlborough and James Chalmers.

GAELFORCE Flyfishing also won the Manufacturers trophy

Funtime after the show with the Equalizer Multi Tip, matched to the 14ft rod trying for a fish on the wool.

Congratulations to Iain Gardner who cast very well over the course of the weekend, improving daily and just missing the cut for the final by a small margin. A huge thank you to Stephen Slattery and Timmy Harty who were invaluable to me over the weekend, taking care of business, providing me with plenty food, refreshments and an inspirational motivation speech before the final!!

I would like to dedicate this achievement to my great friend Knut Syrstad.1970 - 2014