WHAT a trip it was for nine-year-old Alan Harrison from Hartlepool when he went for a weekend’s Pollock fishing with his step-dad Barry Pattinson – and family friends Dave and Andy – to Luce Bay. Fishing aboard On Yer Marks with slivers of float-fished mackerel on light rods, they were soon into pollock. The fishing was hectic with over 60 fish between 2-6lb, being taken and returned with young Alan keeping pace with the rest. And after a hectic battle from a hard-fighting fish, Alan eventually landed a fine Pollock of 5lb. Unfortunately boat fishing has been hit by the weather. Before the sea came away catches had been quite good, with the best fish reported a ling of 26.5lb taken by Steve Haley aboard Famous out of Hartlepool. He is leading the way in the Hartlepool Charter boats festival. Mike Sands, fishing from the North Gare at Hartlepool, got quite a surprise when he landed a ten-inch Gilt Head Bream. This is the first of this species I have officially recorded along our coastline, although I have also been reliably informed that some Gilthead and Black bream were landed commercially at Sunderland last weekend. Dave Stoker won Ryhope’s sweepstake with a flounder of 1-7-0, Ernie Hunter winning Eastenders’ sweepstake with a codling of 1-1-0 taken from the Glass Centre. Kevin O’Hara would like information on any shad caught in the area. Details and possibly photos should be sent to Kevin on phone 0790 5007241 or email kevin.ohara@northwt.org.uk September 2, Workington District SAC hold a Heaviest Fish Open (Penn Points) Seniors and Juniors 1st 50%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 20%. Entry £10, juniors £3, plus prize table, reg Union Jack Club, Stenhouse Street 7am to 8.45am, bounds Harrington Pier to Maryport Pier. Fish 9am-1pm, two hooks, Details Jimmy 01900 871545 or Howard 01900 68614. September 8 sees the re-arranged Bob White memorial match, Amble, entries Norma 01665 711200 Sunday September 9 sees the North-East Division of the NFSA Open Boat Competition, Further details from Sam Harris on 0191-518456, Jim French 01665 711007. | 
