Clear skies and calm seas provided the backdrop to this year's Flounder Festival from Poole , and thoughts on the quayside were on the possibility of that elusive four pounder. The eight shore competitors and four boat loads of eager boat anglers dispersed at 8.45am and were soon heading towards the 'hotspots'.
Unfortunately the only hotspots that emerged on board the 'Nat West II' came out of a kettle, but as a consolation all the anglers on board finished the day as joint boat winners. Fishing was generally slow but during the course of a pleasant day in the sun, it became clear that the other boats had managed to find a few fish and the shore contingent were also going to feature in the final reckoning.
As the anglers gathered at the weigh-in, fourteen trooped up to weigh in their fish and it soon became clear that one of several two-fish bags would win the day. At the close of scales Rob Quinn had clinched top spot with a total weight of 5 lb 2 1/2 oz which included the best fish of the day, a flounder of 3lb 1 oz - a superb effort. Past winner Paul Rivers again showed how it was done with 4 lb 3 1/4 oz to take second place, whilst Paul's prodigy Bobby King (no this isn't a misprint!) took third place to tumultuous applause with 3lb 11oz, and thus ended a thirteen year barren (no pun intended Ray) run of blank Poole Flounder Festivals.
Arrangements are underway to patent and promote a range of Bobby King 'Superking' flounder rigs which it is hoped will soon be available through the EFSA Newsletter, provided terms can be agreed.
On the shore front, Reg Clough pushed the top three all the way with a two fish bag weighing 3lb 6oz and in so doing picked up the prize for top performer from the shore.
Our thanks go to all who supported the event and to the skippers of 'Ooker', 'Our Gemma', 'Josephine', and 'Nat West II' who tried their best to find the fish. |
