2011 OPEN RESULTS

With a flat calm the competitors in this year's Open had to decide whether to have a go for flatties or take a chance and try the weed beds for Cod and Wrasse. While there were plenty of flatties caught the results show that for those in the right place the codling fishing was pretty good. The Northern boundaries outfished everywhere else for the quality of fish caught. The results of the competition can be summarised as follows:

340 fished, 112 weighed in. (227 fish which were: 95 flats, 91 cod, 23 wrasse, 12 coalies, 4 pollack, 1 pouting & 1 dogfish) Total weight of over 406lb.
There were 29 people who weighed in but failed to get a prize. Last weight to get a prize was 1lb 6 3/4ozs.

1 Paul Westmorland, 5 fish (4 cod, 1 wrasse), 17lb 5 1/8ozs, Beadnel
2 Ken West, 3 cod, 13lb 15 5/8ozs, Howick
3 Steve Williams, 5 fish (2 cod, 2 wrasse, 1 coaley), 13lb 4 1/8ozs, Beadnel

Heaviest fish:
1 Ken West, cod, 6lb 2 1/4ozs
2 D.Allinson, cod, 5lb 10 3/4ozs, Seahouses
3 Andy Crowe, pollack, 5lb 7ozs, Swine Dene

Lady:
Norma Urwin, 1 flat, 8ozs, Druridge

JNR:
Curtis Dunn, 3 fish (1 cod, 1 wrasse, 1 coalfish), 5lb 4 3/4ozs, Beadnel

Heaviest flat fish:
Chris Urwin, 1lb 6 3/8ozs, Druridge

Special 40th place (To mark the 40th Newbiggin Open):
Robin Bolton, 2 cod, 3lb 6 1/8ozs, Church Point. (Won a Greys GRX-S Bass Rod)

Prize Winners

Here are some photos of the lucky winners picking up their prizes.

Well done to all involved, and thanks also to the Newbiggin Angling Club Committee for organising the competition and to Steven Smith for the prize giving photos..

2. OPEN COMPETITION RULES AND ENTRY DETAILS

Would all competitors please note that whilst the rules set out out below are accurate as far as I am aware, it is their responsibility to make sure that there have been no changes by reading and following the rules within the pamphlet that will be provided with their entry tickets. Please take care to check for any boundary changes or exclusions before competing.

1. Competitors must obtain their weigh in cards before starting to fish.

2. Competitors weigh in cards and tackle boxes are subject to inspection by Stewards or Club officials on demand.

3. Size limits are as follows: - Cod, Coalfish, Pollock, Hake and Brill 35cm; Turbot and Haddock 30cm; Whiting 30 cm; Wrasse 30cm, Witches 28cm; Plaice 27cm; Common Sole, Lemon Sole, Dabs and Flounders 25cm; Dogfish 33cm; Bass 41cm; Thornback Ray 46cm (measured nose to tail); All other fish not referred to above to be 25cm. The following fish will not be weighed in:- Rays Bream, Lumpsucker. All species of Dragonet, Blenny, Sea Scorpion, Weever, Rockling, and Mackerel. All undersized fish should be returned to the water alive.

4. Competitors are not allowed to fish during the hour prior to the start of the competition.

5. No competitor may have fitted up at the same time more than one rod or handline.

6. Competitors may use up to three hooks or one treble. Double hooks count as two hooks. Spinners and artificial lure may be used.

7. No help can be given to competitors regarding casting. Help may be given to gaff or lift a fish but competitors must hook and play their own fish themselves.

8. The weigh in will be as advertised.

9. Boundaries are from Tynemouth – Seahouses Breakwater, excluding Cambois pier, the river Blyth, Cambois hot water outlet pipe, in the river Wansbeck, the harbour and river at Seaton Sluice, Amble Pier and Tynemouth pier.

10. Juniors must be under 16 years of age on the day of the competition.

11. Ladies and juniors will be given the choice of a nominated prize or a choice from the main prize table depending on their weight position. If a main table prize is selected the ladies and junior prize will be declared void and put into the main prize table. There will be the basic principle of only one table prize per competitor. All prizes to be claimed by the end of the presentation.

12. In the case of bad weather rendering fishing impossible, the officials and weighmaster will meet 30 minutes before the competition is due to begin and make such arrangements as appear to be necessary.

13. In all matters relating to the competition the decision of the club’s officials and Weighmaster are final.

14. The optional team event shall consist of two members per team with no permutations allowed.

15. The Newbiggin and District Sea Angling Club shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury incurred by any person in connection with the competition.

16. Any angler in breach of these rules will be disqualified.

Enquiries phone: 01670-365980 or 01670 - 812214