The biggest event in freshwater fishing history on the island took place at Merstone on Sunday the
I.W.F.A.A OPEN.
With over £500 and prizes up for grabs.
The winner and new IW open Champ is Vic Canning making the most of a fancied peg with 50lbs 5oz. narrowly beating club secretary Ray Kirby on 49lbs 7oz, in 3rd was Chris Calder with 45lbs 15oz (including a 7lb carp)4th and pairs winner with V Canning was Billy Skeldon on 43lb 7oz. The only lady to fish was Jane Clarke who won her section with 37lb 9oz (overall 5th) 3 prizes of nice reels donated by Scotties Tackle shop Newport were won by Brian Stean, Best net of silvers 19lb 6oz.Chris Calder, Best Carp. Vic Warren, Best non carp specimen 2lb 8oz Bream.
A record weigh-in of 460lb total fish and estimated 80 lb not weighed by competitors who although catching fish did not weigh them in.
A barbecue and cold drinks rounded off the day, finally many thanks to Chris Cassford for taking the photos and the halftime weigh in.
reported by John Millington Match Secretary.
From left to right Vic Canning, Jane Clarke, Ray Kirby, Billy Skeldon, Vic Warren and Chris Calder
Vic and Jane filling their nets
Ray Kirby 2nd overall by just a few ounces.
Two well known personalities Rob Ribbens and Keith Mathews