Our Open Bream Competition is always popular because it marks the turning point from a rather barren spring season (these days) and the arrival of larger breeding fish and the summer season. We have grown very tired of catching dogfish and small conger so the chance of bream is very welcome.
On Sunday 3rd May the forecast was favourable so we had the green light. 45 anglers registered to fish including Ladies and Juniors so it was very competitive. The target was a single largest black bream, and as the fish came in to be weighed we were seeing a lot of fish in the 2lb plus range. When all were back, we ranked the fish and moved onto the prize giving ceremony, held in the evening sunshine outside the Marina Bar.
First and Second places included a cash prize plus additional vouchers from our sponsors. Runners-up received tackle and voucher prizes according to place. We are very grateful to Premier Marinas, British Big Game Charter, Andy’s Baits, Newnham Builders, Southsea Marina Disabled Angling Club, the Marina Bar and Portsmouth Distillery for their generous donations of prizes.
Here are the winners:
First: Mark Jackson (Harvest Moon) 3.58lb
Second: Richard Pack (Full Throttle) 2.78lb (tie breaker dice throw)
Third: Steve Tamblin (Sea Jay) 2.78lb (tie breaker dice throw)
Fourth: Dan Lumsden (Sea Jay) 2.76lb
Fifth: Stuart Newell (Harvest Moon) 2.53lb
Sixth: Dan Shipman (Harvest Moon) 2.50lb
Top Ladies Entry: Penny Arthur (Full Throttle) 2.36lb
Top Junior: Luca Budd (Cavalier) 1.54lb
We also had a surprise additional prize. Donated by Newnham Builders, this was a £100 fuel contribution drawn in a raffle by boat name and awarded only to the skipper present at the prizegiving. The winner was – yes, Harvest Moon! Definitely a day of skill and luck for Stuart Newell and his crew on Harvest Moon.
Our thanks as always to the organisers, sponsors and competitors who together made another enjoyable and memorable day.
(Photo Gallery coming soon)