Around 800 shore and boat anglers took part in the 45th Torbay Fishing Festival this year. The event, sponsored by Shimano and Cox & Rawle, took place over the nine days between Friday 6th and Sunday 15th September.
The boundaries were set for both boat and shore competitors from Pinhay, Beer in the east to Bolt Head near Salcombe to the west, with certain localised limitations. The boats were permitted to fish within a set boundary offshore of these marks, approximately 40 miles. The anglers could enter for the entire event or sign up on a daily basis.
In order to ensure smooth recording of the results five weigh-in stations were available in Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, two stations, and Sidmouth. All the fish had to be weighed in between 19:00 and 20:00 hrs on the day of capture.
The entrants were fishing for a massive list of prizes awarded for both the best daily fish and those topping the list during the overall event.
The anglers enjoyed some terrific sport as the weather generally behaved during the competition. Notable catches included –
Steve Underwood – Overall Winner – Conger Eel – 57lb 9oz 0 drams
Martin Bowler – Best Fish Wreck – Conger Eel – 94lb 4oz 5 drams
John Heather – Best fish Inshore Boat – Blonde Ray -34lb 5oz 12 drams
Phoebe Putt – Best fish by a Lady – Small Eyed Ray – 11lb 3oz 5 drams
William Messenger – Best Fish by a Junior – Bull Huss -9lb 9oz 6drams
A full list of all the 90+ prizewinners can be downloaded here and for more details of this year’s event and the 2014 competition visit the Torbay Fishing Festival website.
