Hodge wins Sea Angling event

Lines were in the water on time with the tide flooding, many anglers opted to fish close in, hoping to catch flounder and the odd bass. Others did cast further out with to concentrate on dogfish and mackerel.

Twenty-eight competitors checked in at the start of the competition with some travelling from Bangor, Belfast and Larne. All fish caught were released back to the water in line with the organising club’s policy of fish conservation.

On the day, best bait proved to be the lugworm tipped with a slither of mackerel or small harbour rag on a small hook.

The winner was Larne’s Stephen Hodge with a brace of flounder. He pocketed a £50 cash prize and three penn points. Three people tied for second spot: Barry Platt (Larne), David Gilmore (Belfast) and Joanna Jones (Antrim). The longest fish pool went to Nathan Davidson from Carrickfergus.

All junior anglers who entered the competition received a prize of either a fix spool reel or headlamps.

The organisers would like to thank Carrick Borough Council for its continued support and sponsors Alan Nelson of Carrick Fish Baits who put a rod as a prize and provided anglers with prime frozen sandeels and mackerel throughout the day.

The next competition will be held on Carrick promenade on August 25.

Carrick Beach and Rockers Sea Angling Club meet every second Wednesday at Carrick Barn Club. New members are always welcome.