GRIMSBY angler George Smith will cast off for his country this summer after being selected to take part in the Home International Shore Fishing Championships.
Smith is no stranger to international honours – this is the 19th year running that the 49-year-old has been picked to fish for his country.
And so, in familiar company, he will travel to Aberech in North Wales at the beginning of July, hoping to help his country to net the team title.
Smith will be one of the English side's key figures, given the fact that he is currently ranked as the number one match angler in the country.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Smith, of St Ives Crescent, explained: "I'm currently ranked number one because I've just won the National League for Sea Anglers.
"It's a huge honour and I was really proud when I found out.
"I was third last year but I've managed to win it this year so it means that I'll be going into the Home Internationals in good form.
"It's a big boost going into it and it should set me up well for the tournament.
"To represent your country is a huge honour – no matter how many times you've done it – so I'm always really proud to be called up.
"I'm really looking forward to it as I do every year. It's a great event and it will be nice to be a part of it again."
Even when he is not competing, Smith just cannot keep himself away from fish as he works as a filleter for Grimsby firm Seachill.
And, looking forward to the upcoming clash with some of the best anglers in the world, Smith feels both he and the rest of the English side have a good chance of success in Wales.
He continued: "We've got a good chance again this year because we've got a really strong team.
"It's a team that's made up of good lads who I know well.
"I like fishing in Wales because I know the area well and I think we've got a good chance of winning there – it's my sort of fishing and I'll be up for it.
"Last year we fished in Dover and before that Ireland and Scotland and we've always done ok."
He added: "I also know the Scottish, Welsh and Irish lads really well also so it will be a good tournament to be involved in.
"Also this year, there's a junior competition as well as one for Under-21s and ladies so it will be a big event.
"We'll go down a couple of days earlier to prepare and get to know what we're doing.
"If we all perform to how I know we can, I think we'll give ourselves a great chance."
