The second Harry’s fishing match took place on Thursday 21st February.

Again, it was a night best spent in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa -unless you are as keen as the Brid fishermen! Braving the cold, damp weather, Paul Adams won the cash prize with a 1lb whiting. Neil Batty won the first prize in the raffle, a Shimano tackle box, and four others won either a Shimano thermal mug or a hat. We were able to make a contribution to the RNLI too.

Thanks to Shimano for their generosity and to the Parade pub for their hospitality and excellent food, which rounded off the evening nicely.

On Wednesday 13th February, the first Harry’s fishing match was held for adults. It was freezing - but a hardcore turned out to fish from Sewerby Steps down to Macckies.

 The competition was particularly hard. Lots of fish were caught but they were all slightly under the match limits. No-one wants to take out under sized fish, and our fishermen and women returned dabs, whiting and bass.

The competition was won by Nick Simmonds with a 1lb 5oz whiting, with Neil Batty coming second with a 14 oz whiting. The evening was sponsored by Fladen and the free raffle included a Warbird beachcaster rod, Fladen hats and polo shirts, feathers and a large tin of biscuits, with their compliments. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Fladen. It is truly great to see the big manufacturers supporting our sport locally.

After the fishing, everyone was grateful for the piping hot Yorkshire pudding and stew provided free by The Parade pub. It was a really sociable night - and is now a regular fixture.

Look out for new matches every Thursday evening, with raffle prizes from our sponsors, free food and great company. Who knows - next time we may even get warmer weather!

Saturday 16^th February saw the first Harry’s of Bridlington under 16’s fishing match on the pier.  First prize for this special inaugural match was a day’s fishing with Dave Barham, the Editor of Boat Fishing Monthly.

Even though it was a bitterly cold day, eight boys turned up and fished hard. It was a catch and release competition, with points for each fish caught. The match was marshalled by volunteers from Bridlington’s fishing community, all gladly giving up their time to encourage the children.

Amanda, a full-time student at Hull University and one of the marshalls said ‘These boys were amazing – they concentrated so hard and were so knowledgeable. I learned a thing or two!’

The eventual winner was Jamie Desborough aged 14, who caught five fish and earned a total of 176 points. Jamie was thrilled to win and very keen to take up his prize of a day’s boat fishing. Second and third places were taken by Chris and Isaac but all the boys were a fine example to the sport, fishing in a spirit of friendly competition.

The following Monday, Jamie and his dad Paul fished on Striker with Dave Barham and Steve Ellis from Harry’s. It was a beautifully clear day and Skipper Palmer Cockrill struck fish for them every time he anchored.

Between them, they caught 39 stones of fish - whiting and coalfish aplenty. Jamie filled a box by himself, more than holding his own against the experienced adults.

Steve said of the day ‘It was fantastic. It’s given Jamie a real day to remember and we’d like to thank Dave, Palmer and everyone who helped.’

It’s getting closer by the minute now. Time for your last minute preparations, working out the best gear, and what bait you’ll need. We’ll be stocking live big fat juicy lug and rag, as well as live crabs. We’ll also have a full range of frozen bait - razor fish, peeler crabs, squid, black lug, mackerel and mussels.

But it’ll go fast, so why not give us a call to pre-order yours?