A Rock-ing good catch seals Open for Williams
STEVE Williams walked away with a big smile on his face after winning the Seaham Open and taking the biggest prize in North East angling.
On a day when fishing was difficult due to the calm and crystal clear water, Williams managed to catch a cod of 5.13lb from Featherbed Rocks to take the £1,000 first prize.
Junior angler Keane Greenhow, 10, who was fishing from the north pier, caught the second-heaviest fish - a cod of 5lb to win £500.
He also claimed the overall heavi- est bag with three fish for 6.78lb - for a prize of £308 - and the junior title for the second year running, his s 6.78lb haul winning him £100.
Mike Vasey captured the third d heaviest fish at 4.8lb, winning £350.
The ladies’ winner was Emma Lou- ise with one fish for 0.98lb to go home e with £100.
The disabled prize of £100 went to o Rod Dobbinson after a draw.
Altogether 366 fished with weighing in 76.66lb.
Druridge beach, famous for its tur- bot, had thrown up a cracker.
Jimmy Bullock, fishing in Amble’s s match, landed one of 5lb 3oz 8drams.
It is the second biggest I have e recorded for the North East coast, the biggest being the 20lb turbot taken off Roker pier - but it is the biggest from local beaches.
With the unfavourable conditions shore sport has been very quiet.
There have been a few cod to 3lb from Roker pier along with whiting, dabs and the odd dogfish, Marsden and Whitburn marks giving a few cod to 3lb.
North of the Tyne there have been a few codling with most matches won with around 6-8lb. 47 7
Steve Surtees did manage a 10lbplus bag in Bedlington Station’s match and unusually quite a few dogfish have been taken between Whitley Bay and Blyth.
The upper Tyne has been producing quite a few codling to 3lb along with flounder and a few whiting.
Not many boats have been out but JFK Two managed two good days at the weekend and on the Saturday anglers took around 70 fish to 7lb, mainly from the ground - most anglers taking over a dozen fish each.
On the Sunday they hit the wrecks, reeling in around 50 fish with the best a ling of 11lb. Keane Greenhow with his cod of 5lb taken in the Seaham Open. Inset, Steve Williams receiving his £1,000 cheque after winning the Seaham Open