WITH a huge field, those hunting the main prize in the Sunderland heaviest fish open needed to head for the rock ends to find a good catch.
And Middlesbrough’s Richard Jackman did just that – setting his stall up at the Black Path, he recorded his first major open win with a cod of 8.184lb (3.720kg).
Phil Wright followed his success in the South Shields Open with another second place with a cod of 5.995lb (2.725kg) from Souter Point.
With calm conditions Blyth Beach has been the best venue for both pleasure and match catches. Ken West won Newbiggin’s match from there with seven codling for 12lb 12oz, while John Jennings took four codling for 9lb 2oz – best 4lb 15oz – from Dulce Carrs.
Junior Liam Smith took six flounder for 6lb 13oz from Blyth to win another Newbiggin match, while Shaun Golightly won Whitley Bay’s match with 9lb 4oz.
Darren Shields took the honours in Bedlington Station’s match with a mixed bag for 11lb 7oz from Blyth, Chris Potts taking the heaviest of 4lb 15½oz in a 10lb 10oz bag from the Tyne.
Tynemouth pier has produced some mixed bags. Paul Smith won Longbenton’s match with 12lb 9oz, the best a coalfish of 2lb 12oz.
BOTAC anglers didn’t fair so well, Laurie Hall winning their match with 6lb 5oz.
Lee Burton did well in Ryhope’s match, taking first, second, and 34th with codling of 2lb 10oz, 1lb 15oz and 1lb 12oz taken from Featherbed Rock.
Unfortunately, not all matches or pleasure trips have had the same outcomes. Many matches have been won with only a few pounds and many pleasure anglers have failed to catch.
However, a few boats have been able to get out with one having a spectacular catch. A group from Sunderland Sub Aqua club were out on Sapphire and, after taking a few cod, ling, and pollock, the drama unfolded.
When winding in a pouting Andy Jewitt had it taken by a porbeagle shark estimated at around 200lb.
The shark, when it was eventually brought to the side of the boat, was released.
Jeff Sill and friend Bob out on Sill’s boat Swordfish fishing just off Sunderland had a pleasant day, taking a dozen codling to 5lb.
For the next two weeks Steve Walker will be doing the column. He can be contacted on 0191 469 1616 in the evenings or by email at: s.m.walker@blueyonder.co.uk
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 17: Harrington cod open (Penn Points) fish 5-9pm Guaranteed (one prize per angler) 1st £1000; 2nd £300; 3rd £200 entry snrs £10, jnr £7 reg 2.30pm to 4.30pm Harrington Sailing/Fishing Club, bounds Whitehaven North Pier to Workington Blocks (Piers and Blocks excl). Details: call Alan on 01900 67257, Luke 07971 700 871 email: barrymcglasson@hotmail.co.uk
November 18: Bedlington Station Open (Penn Points) fish 9.30am to 1.30pm, 1st £500, h/flat 1st 2nd, 3rd £100, £50, & £30, entry £10, ladies & jnrs £5 or £10 for main event. Grey’s rod 40th place, plus prize table, opt h/f £2 100% payout Bounds Tynemouth pier (excl) to Seahouses Sth pier (excl) Blyth pier included. Reg local tackle shops in advance or Bank House Club on day from 7.15am to 8.15am. Details: call Steve on 07888 674 873.
