Sea Angling is perfect for all ages
Ken Middlemist is President of Amble Sea Angling Club and he is also a veteran fly dresser. Ken will be demonstrating the art of fly dressing at an international exhibition in Germany in April
On a fiercely cold but bright January day, one of those days when the tide is so far out you’re almost convinced Coquet Island has rejoined the mainland, small dots of colour could just be seen, perched on rocks and outlining the shore. Blinking my watery eyes into focus, the tiny shapes morphed into sea anglers, picking out the very edges of the wild Northumbrian coast, ignoring the icy wind, determined to match their skill against the biggest, the heaviest, the most elusive fish.
From Lynemouth to Seahouses, 515 hardy souls took part this year, in the biggest open sea angling competition in the country. The Penn Amble Open Shore Championship is organised by Amble Sea Angling Club, a group of around 40 local fishing fans, who have done their part in transforming a traditional pastime into a hobby enjoyed nationally by thousands of people of all ages.
“Angling is the biggest participant sport in the country,” club President Ken Middlemist tells me “There’s more people participate in angling than football.”
Amble Sea Angling Club was formed back in 1974. Over the years, as their membership swelled, the group met in a variety of pubs before settling on a home at the Radcliffe Club.
“The first Amble open was in 1976. That was run from the Boys’ Club,” says Ken. “80 people took part in that. In 1991, 987 took part. That was the most we’ve had so far. This year was our 38th Open shore championship and we had 515. Our Open is one of the biggest and best supported in the North East. This shoreline is perfect for catches, there’s something for everyone, including youngsters. Along most of the shoreline there are safe places to fish.”
Gary Pye presents first prize to 13 year old Rebecca Abbot
The Open is so popular now, it is sponsored by American company Penn, who are owned by the same organisation that bought Alnwick fishing tackle company Hardy and Grey’s.
After five hours of baiting, casting and waiting, it’s time to call it a day. The weigh-in at the Radcliffe Club decides the winners and there is a huge selection of prizes, all donated by local companies.
Club Secretary Les Weller said: “it’s been a brilliant day. Congratulations to 13 year old Rebecca Abbot who won this year’s event. She caught 14 flounders totalling 10lb 14.3/4oz, and won three categories; the heaviest bag, junior and ladies’ categories.”
In second place was Gordon Fairley with 18 flats totalling 10lb 12.3/4ozand in third place was John Tweddell with 14 flats totalling 10lb 7oz.
The competition brought visitors from as far away as Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland, with scores of people staying overnight in the Friendliest Port.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to the whole organising committee and to all the local tackle shops involved,” said Les.
If you would like to know more about the Sea Angling Club, phone Les on 0790 0695 538, or see their Facebook page.
Anna Williams
