GO WEST FOR THE BEST
New Sea Angling Competition at Pembrokeshire Fish Week
23 June – 1 JulyPembrokeshire – Britain’s only coastal National Park – is hosting a major new sea angling competition on Sunday 1 July as part of Pembrokeshire Fish Week, its annual celebration of all things fishy from 23 June to 1 July.
The Stena Line Sea Angling Festival open competition will take place at Fishguard Harbour Breakwater in North Pembrokeshire. Organised by the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers, the competition will be a PENN Points catch and release match, with a first prize of £ 750, second of £ 250 and third of £ 100. Registration and pegs are from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm and fishing from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Places are limited and the entry fee is £ 10 with an optional pool. Entries need to be registered in advance with Martin Thompson, Anglers Corner, on 01646 698899.
The competition is one of many angling events held across Pembrokeshire during Fish Week for anglers of all levels of experience and ability.
The Welsh Surf Casting Team and the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers are holding a Junior Coaching Day on Saturday, 30 June, also at Fishguard Harbour breakwater, courtesy of Stena Line. This is a free event for all 8 – 16 year olds, from complete beginners to those wanting to improve their skills. Coaching is from 10 am to 1 pm, with a fun competition from 2 pm to 4 pm. There will be prizes for all, and equipment is provided or juniors can bring their own rod.
Young anglers can also enter a Junior Coarse Fishing Competition at Llyn Carfan Coarse Fishery, near Whitland, on Wednesday, 27 June. The event is open to 8-15 year-olds and the fishery can provide rods and tackle if needed. Meanwhile, older anglers can take part in the Open Coarse Fishing Championship at Holgan Farm, Llawhaden, which takes place from Monday 25 to Friday 29 June with daily three-hour evening heats.
The first five of each evening match qualify for a grand competition final on Saturday, 30 June with the first prize of £ 150 plus dinner for two at The Wolfe Inn, Wolfscastle. The second prize is £ 75 and third prize is £ 50.
On 27 June, there is Treffgarne Gorge Fishing Day for anglers with disabilities, from the novice to experienced. All rods and equipment are supplied and there is wheelchair and vehicle access to the river. Qualified coaches are on hand throughout the day, which is open to anyone over the age of 10.
Novice anglers can learn to fish in a selection of have-a-go-at-fishing days. Expert tutors will be on hand at Holgan Farm Coarse Fishery, Llys y Fran Reservoir and Country Park, and White House Mill Trout Fishery, Lampeter Velfrey at various events during the week. The learn-to-fish days are open to people of all ages, experience and ability, and tackle and bait are provided on the day.
Other angling-related events in Pembrokeshire Fish Week include:
- Coastal exploration with TYF – spend a day discovering hidden coves, caves and beaches in St Davids or Freshwater East; sample coasteering, snorkelling and fishing and learn about the coastal environment on open-top kayaks.
- Trout fishing and lunch – savour your own freshly-cooked trout at Gellifawr Hotel and Cottages in the Preseli Hills.
- The ‘Blue shark mackerel bash’ – three-hour mackerel fishing trips departing from Milford Haven.
- ‘Cook your catch’ – mackerel fishing trips on the Cleddau King from Milford Have.
