Middleton the best of an exceptional bunch

Sea angling

The Herne Bay Angling Association hosted the National Bass Championships, fishing from Friday through to Sunday in what proved to be unpleasant weather with strong westerly winds for much of the competition.

Despite the rough conditions, most of the 65 competitors chose to fish six miles offshore at The Ridge which is nationally known and renowned for large bass as the fish run through the inside of the bank in the deep water having travelled through the Queens Channel.

This year was no exception as Mick Carpenter raised the bar by catching a 10.335lb fish on the Friday.

However, the better conditions on the Saturday saw two fish of 11lb come to the scales topped by Wayne Middleton with a specimen weighing 11.46lb which won him the competition followed closely by Jason Young with a fish of 11.16lb.

On Sunday, conditions worsened and no larger fish were bought to the scales giving Middleton the championship.

Top junior was Freddy Rule with a fish of 4.245lb.

The beach section was won by Rob Bates with a bass of 4.62lb followed by Mark Gregory with 4.38lb and Lewis Clarke with 3.42lb.

Results for this year’s competition were exceptional as it is unusual to have three bass in double figures.

However, Herne Bay is renowned for being the top spot in the country for big bass and still holds the British Boat record with a fish weighing 19lb 90z.

National bass champion Wayne Middleton with part of his catch