On a gusty day it was a gutsy performance from the dedicated kayak anglers who took part in the OK Classic Kayak Fishing Tournament at Swanage on 28th May. A total of 69 enthusiastic competitors took to the water in what was the second year of this increasingly popular event. There were 79 entries this year, nearly twice as many as last year, and £790 was raised for the local RNLI Lifeboat Station. Despite the challenging weather conditions and the fact that the organizers had to reduce the fishing areas due to the sea state, nine different species were caught in this catch and release competition.
Carolyn Hooper of Swanage Tourist Board gave away the main prizes and Martin Steeden, Coxswain of the Swanage Lifeboat and Dave Turnbull, Lifeboat Station Mechanic accepted the donation cheque on behalf of the RNLI. The competition was sponsored by Johnson Outdoors UK and supported by AnglersAfloat. Johnson Outdoors MD Andrew Dron commented: “This year I was particularly impressed by the way competitors conducted themselves and coped with the challenging and changing conditions. They all cooperated fully with the organizers and fished responsibly and skilfully and all are a real credit to the sport of kayak fishing. Once again we are very grateful for all the support we had from Swanage Tourist Board and everyone who helped make the day so successful.”
The species caught on the day were Pollack, Ballan Wrasse, Mackerel, Corkwing Wrasse, Pouting, Tompot Blenny, Garfish, Scorpion Fish and Butterfly Blenny.
Ocean Kayak fishing kayaks were the main prizes (above)
and there were nearly double the number of competitors this year