LAST Thursday and Friday saw 15 military veterans, the majority suffering from severe PTSD from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq take over the Square Lake for a two day fishing session.
They stayed overnight at the lake and on arrival had to put up their bivvies, beds and fishing tackle.
All the equipment and bait was supplied by Nash, Korda and Crafty Catchers bait who also had experienced anglers from their companies to mentor the veterans.
The two day study was run by Psychology PhD researcher (University of Essex) Mark Wheeler.
Royal Anglian Veteran Matt kicked off the fishing with a nice 8lb mirror(see photo).
Oldest participant was Patrick Moir from West Mersea an ex para from the 1960’s accompanied by his dog who managed some nice fish(see photo).
Weather conditions on Friday were horrendous with hours of torrential rain and some big thunderstorms. As the weather calmed down all the anglers caught fish and by the end of the session nearly 40 carp( biggest 18lb ) were caught plus a few bream. Best angler of the session was the only female, Jorden who showed the men how it was done by landing 5 carp up to 16lb(see photo). Clint and Tim Were ecstatic when they caught their first fish on their first ever fishing trip (see photos)
All in all a highly successful start to what they hope will become a regular event at the Warren. The next fish-in is scheduled for the middle of September with a new batch of veterans
