Paul Stevens

Location: West Sussex

Representing my country at international level, peaking with two consecutive team gold medals in the CIPS World Championships is my proudest angling achievement

Most memorable fishing event / trip / fish

I’ve had many memorable moments over the past few years but the best moments would have to be winning my first gold medal representing England, and landing a 300lb Bronze Whaler shark from the beach.
The first England gold medal was special for two reasons. The first was simply the fact it was my first gold medal, and the second was because we had won on foreign soil in Portugal. That year the Portuguese and Spanish teams were red hot favourites, so to win was a fantastic achievement.
The Bronze Whaler was caught on my second trip to Namibia with a couple of friends. It took an hour and three quarters to beach, and I have never felt so physically wrecked in all my life. The following cast I hooked into a fish that nearly spooled me (400 metres of line) before biting through the wire. And, I have never been happier to lose a fish… this one possibly exceeded the 300lb mark and I was not fit for another battle! The picture of the 300 pounder still has pride of place on my wall at home.

Favourite angling type/style

Shore match fishing. I love measure and return matches where speed is key, and plenty of small fish keep the rod tip nodding.
When pleasure fishing, I find nothing comes close to fishing the shallow waters in Key West, Florida for Shark and Tarpon. 

Interests and hobbies away from fishing

I have always been a keen Footballer and Squash player up until a couple of years ago when the knees made it quite clear it was time to stop. I am now an armchair supporter of Man Utd and Brighton.

Angling hopes and ambitions

One day I’d love to pack in the day job and earn a living in the tackle industry. Not sure how or where, but fishing is my passion and I would love to have a job I am passionate about.
I also hope to retain my position in the England World team for a few years yet, and hope to add to my medal collection. The feeling of a medal around your neck and the national anthem playing is something I will never forget and I want to taste it again.
Back home I am a very keen conservationist and try my hardest to ensure fish are treated well and returned alive. I always try to encourage others to do the same, and hope that we can do our bit (small I know) to ensure our youngsters will still be catching when they are older.

Best piece of advice or top tip

It doesn’t matter how good you are in this sport, you will never stop learning until the day you pack up or lose interest. Never be afraid to speak to other anglers, inspect successful anglers’ rigs, ask about bait, and tactics etc . You will be surprised just how helpful most anglers will be.
Preparation is everything whether match or pleasure fishing.

I bet you didn’t know

I once appeared on the “Word” music show on Channel 4.

Angling media / tackle company involvement

I used to be a regular writer for Total Sea Fishing but had to give up for work reasons at that time. I have also appeared on the Sky Sports programme, 'Tight Lines'.

What items would you sling in fishing’s room 101?

The Mitchell 602AP multiplier. This was my first non fixed spool reel experience and I had a flippin’ nightmare with it!

Heroes & influences

No heroes as such, but plenty of thanks and respect to many good rods that showed me the way from an early age.