Putsborough 2013

Hard to believe that the Combe Martin Sea Angling Club has been holding this popular event for over 25 years and one of the pleasing aspects has to be seeing those regular faces that turn up each year.
This year’s event was certainly blessed with near perfect conditions; the sun setting over a calm sea as sun seekers departed after a perfect beach day. As one of the organizers of the event its always a relief when the numbers of participants are healthy and this year was good a one with 43 anglers taking part.
I walked down the beach with my son James Thomas and his mate Rob Sciones to slot into a clear piece of beach close to the rocks at the West end of the beach.
By now the sun had set and the dark sky was soon decorated with the stars of the summer night. The occasional shooting star streaks across the timeless vista.
The waters edge is worryingly soupy as I wade out to cast. The algal bloom known as May Water has hit the shoreline and drips from the line and rod tip. Despite the snotty water I catch a dogfish after an hour and receive texts from along the beach confirming that ray have been caught.
Rob then has a good bite and reels in a juvenile small-eyed ray that brings a big smile. It’s his first ray and the first of any species is always a landmark in any angling career.
With an hour to go I notice a pleasing dip of my rod tip followed by the pleasing sound of my ratchet. Picking up the rod I retrieve line enjoying the life that surges at the end of the line. A small-eyed ray of 5lb 4oz is soon flapping in the murky water.

In the Eastern sky comes the glow of a new day. At the weigh in I collect a pleasing bundle of witness forms and have the stressful job of determining the top nine places. A pleasing array of prizes from our sponsors Ammo Baits and Sakuma sit waiting for the winners. Dave Brooke secures victory with a ray of 8lb 13oz his second win in two years proves that its not just luck that determines the winners.