Beach fishing contest attracts more entries than ever

A TOP sea angling competition has netted more European entries than ever before.

The European Open Beach Championship takes place on February 26, 27 and 28 between Bridlington and Spurn.

Now the largest three-day beach fishing competition anywhere in Europe, the contest, which last year attracted 1,200 anglers, has seen a 20 per cent increase in entries from over 10 different European countries, boosted by the weak pound.

Belgian and Dutch anglers are usually well represented and this year is no exception with a couple of large angling groups from Belgium already signed up to come and fish off Holderness’s sandy beaches.

Kieran Lawry, from promoters EY Events, said despite the recession the figures had held up last year.

He said: “We are realistic – every event that most local authorities have run has been hit, but we are keeping fingers crossed that we will be there or thereabouts. I am told fishermen will fish regardless. I think they appreciate it’s well run and organised.”

The event this year has been extended to three days, kicking off with the 1st Bridlington Flattie Bash at Wilsthorpe and Fraisthorpe beaches near Bridlington on the Friday, from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Anglers will be aiming to emulate last year’s overall winner Dave Richardson, from Suffolk, who walked away with a large share of the 25,000 prize fund and the crown of European Champion after netting a cod weighing in at 14.8lbs.

The competition started in 1992 as the Bridlington Open Beach Championship and adopted the title of European Open Beach Championship in 2009.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.eyevents.co.uk/events/open or by cheque/postal order to: EY Events, Room JG53B, County Hall, Beverley, HU17 9BA, with cheques made payable to East Riding of Yorkshire Council.