Midlands Sea Angling Boat Competition, Weymouth took place on 23 October 2009.
You have to be really dedicated to your sport to get out of bed at 3.00am to drive 200 miles to the sea, where you then get on a boat and head 5 miles out into the English Channel.
This year's sea angling boat qualifier was moved from its normal location in Minehead to the more prolific waters of the south coast and, whilst the weather was 'OK', we were all grateful for the stability of the catamaran, Tiger Lily and her skipper, Chris Caines.
After a quick stop to try to catch some squid, we found ourselves drifting over the famous banks for Bass; unfortunately, the rough sea state took its toll on several competitors! And only Roger Lovell managed to record a fish at this point. Moving to a more sheltered mark, we managed to get the anchor down and the competition started in earnest.
First off the mark was Bob Poole with two superb Blonde Rays on light tackle. Maggie Kelly started to pick up some dogfish and Dave Hutchings kept pace with Bream and Pouting. Mitch Johnson also caught fish throughout the day, but struggled to find different species. Roger then caught a nice Cod, taking his species tally to 6.
With the scores finely balanced between some anglers who had numbers of fish against others who had bonus points for species, we tried again for the elusive Bass, but with no luck. And, with rain clouds gathering, it was time to head for port. When all the scores were added up and checked, Bob Poole won it with 121 points. Roger Lovell was runner up on 87 points and Mitch Johnson made up the qualifying team with 86 points.
The final is at Beaumaris on Anglesey on 22 July 2010.
Photo shows the winner, Bob Poole with an 18lb 8oz Blonde Ray, the best specimen of the day.
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