ICY weather made travel perilous and lugworm almost unobtainable, but Weston Sea Angling Association decided that their well advertised annual Christmas beach open must go ahead.

ICY weather made travel perilous and lugworm almost unobtainable, but Weston Sea Angling Association decided that their annual Christmas beach open must go ahead.

A low turnout was inevitable, so a field of 31 intrepid anglers was welcome.There was snow on the beach and ice below the high tide mark. No flounders showed, but some of the home club’s top anglers showed how to beat the conditions, long casting produced a weigh-in of 10 codling.

Keith Warren (WSMSAA) was top, with two codling for 4lb 8.5oz, taking home a magnificent �150 hamper. John Lintern (WSMSAA), an England international, came second with two codling for 4lb 1oz and a �100 hamper.

Conrad Davis (WSMSAA) took third place and a �50 hamper with two codling for 3lb 5.25oz. Steve Tanner came fourth. After those who caught had chosen, the remaining prizes were drawn for.

Keith also won �30 from optional round fish pool for a 2lb 10.5oz cod. An optional flat fish pool of �30 was drawn for and won by Nicky Frewin.

The host club thanks all competitors and helpers, also shops and individuals who advertised the event and the Royal Hotel, venue for the presentation.

The club is open to new members and runs shore leagues for juniors, seniors (weekend), seniors (midweek) and ‘retireds’, as well as a boat league.

For more details contact Mike on 01278 788637.

? AS the year closes, it is worth reflecting on what a good year it has been up and down the Bristol Channel for sea anglers.

Reports from the Weston Outcasts have shown there has been excellent sport. There has been a good number of fish to be caught if people have managed to get your tides and times right and codling are still being caught in numbers, with a recent report of a 15lb 2oz cod by visiting angler Anthony Sharman last week from a rock mark in Clevedon.

Early in the year after the codling had gone, the ray turned up and we started to see sole, bass, flatfish, smoothound and conger eels from all reaches of the channel.

Trips have seen the Outcasts not only attend most competitions in one form or another, but also showing to others how well a club can be run in a time where some are struggling to keep afloat.

In 2010 people will see the Weston Outcasts continue in their plight to keep the fun for all in sea angling. A trip on January 2 for up to 16 members on Slapton Sands is just the start, one week later back up the Bristol Channel the club are holding a cod open competition on January 9. The match will be held between Clevedon Pier and Portishead Pier and all are invited.

Fishing the Clevedon Pier is at a cost. Only cod can be weighed in and to enter anglers must sign in at the Moon and Sixpence from 7am on Clevedon seafront. Fishing from 9am-4pm will cost �10, with first prize being �150 plus �10 per pound for the heaviest fish up to 25lbs.

Sponsored by www.advantage4 vans.com. Contact local tackle shops for more details.