A WINTERSTOKE Hundred Academy student is one of the youngest women to compete in a national angling competition, according to the Cabot Learning Federation.

Lucia Archard, a keen angler, came seventh out of 55 competitors in the Woman’s National and third out of 66 competitors at the Junior Nationals.  

At the national competition, which took place at Rookery Waters in Huntingdon, Lucia won a gold medal for winning her section and a silver medal and trophy for being awarded ‘best up and coming young angler of the year’. In real terms, this success reflected a catch totalling a huge weight of 178lb 13oz of fish. 

Lucia won a bronze medal in the Junior Nationals after coming third, catching an  impressive 94lb of fish during the contest at Tunnel Barn Farm in Shrewley, Warwickshire.

Lucia, who is inspired by her father, started fishing around the age of four and normally fishes in various lakes around Essex and Weston with the Weston Angling Association.

In these lakes, Lucia usually focuses on hooking carp, perch, tench, roach and bream.

Lucia hopes to one day win a place at the televised Fish-O-Mania event. It is one of Lucia's goals to take part in the contest, and one of her dreams to be crowned champion.

Lucia said: “I want to do well in my fishing and use fishing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of other people, which it has been proven to do, while also supporting more people into fishing through Angling Coaching Initiative. 

“I wouldn’t have got this far without the support from my sponsors including The Tackle Box, who sponsor her pole, Revelation Baits, who provide her ground baits and pellets and Pole Nose Bungs. 

“My club Ramsbottom Angling Association, which I’ve fished with for the past three years, was named the best club of 2021.”

Steve Holland, vice principal of Winterstoke Hundred Academy, said: “We really encourage our students at Winterstoke Hundred to take part in enrichment activities and commit to improving their passions. Lucia does this to the maximum and we are very proud of her.”

For more information about the school, please visit the Winterstoke Hundred Academy website.