Combe Martin SAC’s Annual Putsborough competition is a popular fixture that always attracts a keen field of anglers from across the region. As Chairman of CMSAC the event always brings a degree of apprehension for there are often a few hurdles to overcome. The biggest factor is probably the weather and this year we certainly struck lucky with high pressure calming things down on the day of the competition with a light westerly breeze, clear skies and a light surf caressing the golden sands.

At the booking in point in the car park a steady stream of eager anglers arrived many of them familiar faces and names though putting the two together as they signed in was a challenge. Conversations flowed and were interspersed with the business of the competition. To all that came many thanks for supporting the club and this popular event. The total entry was 44 seniors and 3 juniors which is probably just abut right for the venue. Sakuma were once again very generous in their sponsorship with a splendid prize table. Thanks also to those who donated prizes on the night and to Barnstaple Bait and Tackle for a Junior prize.

The anglers spaced out across the sands with lights flickering from the beach almost as far as Woolacombe at the far end of this vast expanse of sand. It was a perfect summer evening as we set up at the water’s edge and launched our baits to coincide with the setting of the sun.

            One aspect of the Putsborough Competition that is fascinating is how the fishing has changed over the decades. When we started the event over thirty years ago we had concerns that no fish would be brought to the scales. Fortunately whilst fishing has sometimes been slow there have always been fish caught. In recent years the fishing has improved with lots of fish registered each year with this year’s result once again very pleasing.

            During those early years the competition was dominated by small eyed ray and the inevitable dogfish. Recent seasons have seen smoothound start to dominate the event with eight places of the top 13 being won with hounds.

            This years event certainly kept Nick and I busy at the registration point sorting through fish entries by headlight on scribbled forms is always interesting and we are both pleased if we negotiate and calculate without incident.

            Fish caught included smoothound, small eyed ray, bull huss, small conger, dogfish and dab.

            The full list of winners below :- Once again many thanks to those that took part, to our main sponsor Sakuma, to Barnstaple Bait and Tackle and to Rob Tucker and his team at Putsborough Sands for allowing us access to hold the event.

1^st – Simon Springhall – smoothound – 11lb 5oz – 113.25%

2^nd – Mario Manley – smoothound – 9lb. – 90%

3^rd – Richard Chappell – smoothound – 8lb 13oz 88.125%

4^th –  John Johnson – smoothound – 8lb 11oz – 86.875%

5^th – Robert Hancock – smoothound 8lb 10oz – 86.250%

6^th – Gary Andrews – small eyed ray – 7lb 10.5oz – 76.563%

7^th – Paul Downing – Smoothound -7lb 4.5oz – 72.812%

8^th – Simon Springhall – smoothound – 7lb 4oz – 72.5%

9^th – Ian Hooper – small eyed ray – 7lb 3oz – 71.875%

10^th – Tony Gussin – small eyed ray – 6lb 15.5oz 69.687%

11^th – Martin Hunter – small eyed ray – 6lb 7oz – 64.377%

12^th – Andy Joslin – small eyed ray – 6lb 4oz -62.5%

13^th – Steve Liddal – smoothound – 6lb 4oz – 62.5%

Junior Winner  –

Max Chappell – small eyed ray – 6lb 2oz – 61.25%

Runners up Bella Mitchell & Lyla Mitchell with a dogfish and a bull huss

Combe Martin SAC look forward to hosting the event again next year. These events are vital for the angling community bringing participants together to share the angling experience.

Whilst there is a competitive aspect I know that is not what brings anglers along as the expenditure and effort involved is considerable. Its all about sharing a passion for angling and maintaining those long lasting connections.

Thank you to those who sent images If you have any more please send over to  [email protected]