Women sea anglers – novice or experienced - needed for Home International squad

Fishing from the beach at Musselburgh. Photo: Nigel Duncan Media

International angler Kevin Lewis is looking for enthusiastic women anglers from the Lothians to join the Scotland sea fishing squad in the build-up to the Home International shore angling championships at Weymouth.

The Tartan Team came second to Ireland last year on their home water at Tralee in County Kerry and coach Kevin is determined to go one better this time. Applicants don’t need to be experienced sea anglers as coaching sessions will be held ahead of the event.

The squad of five and a travelling reserve will also fish the location at Preston Beach in Dorset prior to the two-day championships in the first week of July.

England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland are invited and Kevin said that equipment can be provided. He added: “The girls did really well last year in Ireland and we are naturally travelling hoping to win.

“However, longer-term, we are looking for them to pick up valuable experience. It would be great if we could get more women coming forward from the Lothians or anywhere else in Scotland so we can travel with the strongest possible squad.”

Anybody interested should call Kevin on 0797 362 2059.

Well-known sea angler Neil Cuttler from Gateshead won the Amble Open with a bag of 15lb 7oz including 16 flat fish and one coalfish.

David Cooper from Edinburgh was 39th with six cod for 6lb 4oz and Craig Ogilvie from North Berwick weighed in with 5lb 7oz thanks to five flat fish and one cod to take 45th place.

Stuart Fairbairn from Haddington landed one flat fish for 14oz in a field of nearly 500. He was 162nd.

The sea was flat and with a light breeze and temperatures reached around 12°C, and a spokesman said: “177 anglers weighed in with 131 cod, 526 flats and 12 coalfish with a total weight of 736lb 14oz.”

Meanwhile, Sagittarius has been back out from Eyemouth and skipper Derek Anderson reported a mixed bag with mostly winter cod being caught.

The best angler recently was Tom Baxter with nine keepers and lots of fish to return and a group from Fife averaged five fish each with the best results coming on Sidewinder. The boat has spaces today, and tomorrow, sailing 8.00am.

Elsewhere, Blyth-based Sonik Sports have released details of their Gizmo bite alarm which, they claim, offers a miniature package giving instant indication for the slightest of line movement.

Functions are controlled by click dials which are claimed to be quick to set-up for multiple alarm heads. An anti-theft and torch function are included. Each alarm can also be assigned a colour channel to instantly recognise which alarm head has been triggered. Prices start from £49.99 for a single alarm and £199.99 for a two-plus-one alarm and bivvy lamp and up to £299.99 for a four alarm and bivvy lamp version.