The one-off East Yorkshire coast fishing event provides long-lasting memories
When you are fishing, either on the beach or elsewhere, it is quite normal to speak to a fellow angler. We discuss the weather, wind, the type of tide, the bait and any other fishing related topic. Imagine getting the fishing gear and your clothing ready the night before; preparing enough food and drink to see you through the day; getting to bed early with the alarm set for daft O’clock; a shower; a quick breakfast, ablutions and outside.
On the great day, hundreds of anglers, mainly men, but in the last few years quite a number of women and children responded to the alarm at the crack of dawn. Dressing for the weather, loading up the car with tackle, not forgetting the sandwiches, flask and/water, bleary eyed they set off to the gentle voice of the sat nav. Like lemmings, they flocked to the cliffs, walls, promenades and beaches. The fanatical, camped the night before or the less fanatical walked early morning to a nearby or remote venue or for the less able, to an easily accessible venue.
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Hide AdUnlike lemmings, they didn’t throw themselves off the cliffs, but safely descended to the beaches, keeping in mind an escape route, should a big tide wash them off the beach. Suffice it to say that before the appointed start time, over a thousand anglers were spaced out from Spurn Point to Bridlington, all with rods assembled and spare baited rigs to hand. The rules state one rod per person. The weather was kind with sun and a light south easterly breeze over moderate seas.


The electric buzz of anticipation was palpable. The long-awaited flag, whistle, or shout spreads along the beaches at 10.00 hours and the mass cast-in was made. Some caught a fish, big enough to take to the weigh-in, in the first 5 minutes or later and some had a blank day – that’s fishing! For those who caught, all anglers taking part in the match acted as stewards. You are required to ask one to sign your ticket as witnessing the catch or video the live catch or take a photo at the venue etc., all showing the time.
All the senses were on high alert. Sight, sound, smell, touch, taste were all titillated with this once-a-year event. The sea condition, any diving gulls to give away the location of fish, the aroma of the bait and touch of the hook for sharpness and many more, all count towards success. The £35,000 of prizes and the draw of the fishing ticket number for a fishing holiday all help to hone the senses and concentration.
This one-off Yorkshire event provides long lasting memories, not possible in other sports. Friendships are forged, fishing stories of the ‘one that got away’ and it was ‘that big’ with arms outstretched, are told. Having fished the event and attending the weigh-in and prize giving for many years, I always see someone from the past. Paul Roggeman’s widow, Tez, attended and helps to present the prizes, as she had done for many years. She was accompanied by the Chairperson of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Linda Bayram. The familiar faces of the weighing-in staff and the East Riding of Yorkshire organisers reappeared and pleasantries were exchanged. The weather always has the last word as it had on this occasion – it was kindness personified.
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Hide AdFriday’s flat fishing competition was contested by 300 anglers and over a 1000 fish were caught. Saturday was dominated by a fish that astounded all. Scott Poultney of Beverley caught a magnificent 12lb 4oz/5.6kg ray. Lee Smith of Reckits Sea Angling had a 1.7kg ray. Dominic Christmas of Filey had a 1.4 cod, but flat fish were in the majority on both Saturday and Sunday. Jack Appleby or Withernsea had a 1.8kg cod and Gill Preston of Hull had a 1.1 cod. The variety of fish were dabs, flounders, dover sole, ray, cod, coley, pouting, haddock and whiting. Well done to all and Scott went onto be proclaimed the well-deserved Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Champion of 2025.
RESULTS: FEMALE – Gill Preston from Hull; SENIORS HEAVIEST FISH -Scott Poultney, Beverley; JUNIOR – JOINT 1ST – Jay Stoker, New Abbey and Mitchell Whitehead, Goole; OVERSEAS – Troy Francis, Ireland; HEAVIEST FLAT FISH – Mark Williams, Crumin, Newport.
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