Eighty-nine anglers turnout out for Weston Sea Angling Association’s spring open shore competition.

There was a brilliant show of support for the Weston Sea Angling Association’s spring open shore fishing competition, as 89 sea anglers signed in to fish Weston town beach.

The conditions on the beach were an absolute delight, light south easterly winds and sunshine greeted all those that came to fish. Hordes of anglers from all over the South West of England and Wales made their way on down to the beach in great spirits.

The fishing turned out to be tough with small pockets of fish randomly spread across the beach. The bulk of the fish were landed in the section of the beach between the Sea Life Centre and Grand Pier. All the fish caught were measured and returned back to the sea alive.

Bert Ford won the match will a cracking thornback ray measuring 80cm nose to tail, this fish was hooked on his first cast and that was enough for the Weston man to take the top honours.

Richard Simpkins from Bristol managed to pull out an early season conger eel of 76cm for second place, while Morgan Wilson of Worle, capitalised on his only bite of the match with a nice double shot of flounder for a total length of 61cm. Top junior on the day was nine-year-old Tristan Dando with a 27cm flounder.

Thanks go to Jeff Reasons, owner of Thyers Fishing Tackle, Highbridge, for sponsoring the competition and to the Royal Hotel.

Results: Bert Ford £250; Rich Simpkins £100; Morgan Wilson £50; J Beer; C Edwards; 6th A Taylor; N Grey and G Jones; P Yianni and T Dando.

Pools winners - longest round fish: Bert Ford £76; flat fish Morgan Wilson £76.

Paul Aston from Weston, landed a beautiful thin lipped mullet on Clevedon Pier, which was a new personal best and pier club record at 2lb 15oz.

It was a perfect day for a spot of fishing from the pier, which boasts a fantastic sea angling club and a friendly bunch of anglers.

The mullet fell for a ragworm bait meant for an early bass, presented on a simple running paternoster rig.

Go to www.clevedonpierseaanglingclub.com for information on membership and fishing permits.

James T Madsen reporting for www.bristolchannelfishing.com