After several postponements, the weather forecast looked promising enough to run our annual Open Species Competition on Sunday 28th September. As it turned out, the forecast was only an approximation of reality because a gloomy sky and a stiff southerly breeze greeted us as we departed. However, by the afternoon it brightened considerably, so much that we were able to have our prize-giving ceremony in glorious sunshine (which is why we are squinting at the camera!)
The competition is for the most different swimming fish species – squid and crabs don’t count! It is always likely that there will be a lot of ties for number of species caught so we use a tie-break score based on a species table.
In total, 23 different species were recorded by 20 anglers fishing from 10 boats.
We had no Juniors entering, so the competition results were for all Adults and a Ladies Bonus prize.
1st Prize £120 cash plus a Lift & Scrub from Premier Marinas: Dan Lumsden, 11 species score 22
2nd Prize £60 cash plus Baits ‘R Us Voucher: Pete Churchill, 11 species score 7
3rd Prize Rod & Reel donated by Dave Newnham: Dan Sissons, 10 species score 27
4th Prize £50 donated by Dan Sissons: Dave Newnham, 10 species score 11
5th Prize £30 donated by SMDAC: Richard Pack, 10 species score 7
6th Prize £20 tackle voucher donated by SMAC: Steve Tambling 9 species score 7
7th Prize Voucher donated by the Marina Bar: Mike Cave 8 species score 7
8th Prize Bottle of Whisky donated by Dave Newnham: Wayne Comben 7 species score 16
Ladies Bonus Prizes:
1st Prize Rod & Reel donated by British Big Game Fishing: Penny Arthur 7 species score 0
2nd Prize Bottle of Gin donated by Steve Kelly: Pam Eckersall 4 species score 9
We would like to thank all our generous sponsors and all the competitors who supported the event by taking part. It means a lot to the organisers when everyone enjoys themselves!
Here is a full list of all species reported on the Claim Forms:
- Bass
- Blenny – Tompot
- Bream – Black
- Bream – Gilthead
- Bull Huss
- Conger
- Lesser Spotted Dogfish
- Goby – Black
- Goby – Rock
- Mackerel
- Pout
- Poor Cod
- Ray – Smalleyed
- Ray – Thornback
- Scad
- Smoothhound
- Tub Gurnard
- Turbot
- Whiting
- Wrasse – Baillons
- Wrasse – Ballan
- Wrasse – Corkwing
- Wrasse – Goldsinny