January 8, 2006
Huge Thornback Rays caught during Burnham sea fishing competition
Fish stocks might be falling in Bridgwater Bay, but that didn’t stop one angler from reeling in these two monster Thornback Rays during a fishing competition off Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday, January 8th.
Martin Quinn from Withywood, Bristol was the overall winner with the two 11lb 12oz and 10lb 4oz Rays, both of which were returned to the water after the weigh-in.
He was presented with the President’s Trophy by Dick Stewart, competition secretary of the Burnham Boat Owners group, which organised the event.
Despite the catches, the amount of fish caught during the seven-hour event was “dismal,” according to Mr Stewart.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’ve had a dreadful day in terms of fish caught. The problem of falling stocks is very visible.”
“It’s disappointing that only a few cod have been caught today when a few years ago we’d have seen up to 80lb being brought in on each boat.”
Around 30 anglers took to the waters off Burnham-On-Sea in 13 boats for the six-hour competition. Second place went to Shaun Morris, third was Roy Griffin, and fourth was Mike Shepherd. Steve George had the best cod and collected the pool of money, while Martin Quinn also won the Thornback Pool.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported back in November how just six flounders were caught by 66 anglers during a five hour fishing event on Burnham Beach run by Weston Outcasts.
On Sunday, the Outcasts were back again with their New Year beach fishing competition attracting 81 competitors.
“It was a good turnout, but a pretty poor day for catches,” said spokesman Steve Moore. “We only caught small stuff – a few Codling and Whiting. It was a bit slow all round.”
RELATED LINKS:
Fish stay away as beach anglers bemoan falling fish stocks
Anglers reel in big catches at boat fishing event
