A shot in the arm for teams
as north norfolk hosts many of the nation’s best anglers, for once individual glory takes a back seat
SAMF NATIONAL SEA LEAGUE FINAL, KELLING, SALTHOUSE, CLEY BEACHES, NORFOLK
Team match fishing is alive and kicking as demonstrated by a superb turnout at the National Sea League Final. Organised by the Sea Anglers Match Federation, the prestigious event is for qualifying sides from various regional leagues and always includes many of the nation’s best shore match anglers.
The big event, fished over two days with match sections located at Kelling, Salthouse and Cley in North Norfolk, had an impressive roster of 33 teams of five. Leading up to the event, weather conditions weren’t ideal as a persistent easterly gale battered the shoreline. A strong wind and sweeping swell showed no signs of subsiding as the rough conditions would subsequently test the angling skills of the 165 competitors.
CRUNCHING WAVES
Overnight saw the gale gradually giving way to a strong breeze, and anglers were greeted by crunching waves and very little colour in the water. Those fishing at Cley found the going particularly tough.
After an hour, it was clear that the expected whiting and bass were thin on the ground, so many set out their stall to target dabs and flounders.
Tom Wells, in zone A and fishing for Christchurch Angling, ran away with it as he recorded seven fish for 4lb 3oz. Second was Phil George (Garry Evans Match Team) with 12 fish for 2lb 15oz.
Third was Grimsby matchman George Smith (Asso Anyfish Anywhere) with eight fish totalling 2lb 10oz.
Zone B, also at Cley, proved to be a real struggle for many. Section winner was Stephen Adams, fishing for Team Breakaway. He managed just four flounders for 2lb 2oz. Just behind was Paul ‘Shakey’ Stevens (Prime Angling), who caught six more fish, but the tiny dabs meant his weight was just 1lb 14oz. Third was local lad Henry Randell (Big Catch Tackle)