The Fladen smoothhound challenge, held aboard My Way has grown in size recently.
From humble beginnings, the inaugural event 3 years ago was held during the last bank holiday in May 2011.
Such is the popularity, the fourth Fladen smoothhound challenge held the last week in May 2014 ran for 5 full days and 4 evening trips; fished by a succession of anglers, all keen to bag a 20lb monster aboard My Way.
There is no doubting that Holyhead is a popular venue for for these hard fighting small sharks, with My Way being up there amongst the elite, having boated countless smoothhounds over the years.
Smoothhounds of which more than 25 weighed over the magical 20lb threshold; all of which were weighed in a purposely designed sling and calibrated electronic scales.
The rules of the Challenge are quite simple, catch the heaviest hound aboard My Way!
Generously supported once again by Fladen UK, the day sail had a a 20lb class Nano rod and Warbird reel up for grabs and GO Angling rig pack for second place.
The evening trips winning a GO Angling rig box including a selection of suitable rigs. In addition to all this the angler landing the heaviest hound over all would win an additional Gift Voucher.
Fortunately this year, the weather gods looked down on everyone aboard My Way and allowed for every trip to go ahead. We weighed numerous smoothhounds from potential competition winners to personal bests for many anglers. All together just over 100 and thats without mentioning the many small hounds in the 5 to 8 lb bracket that were quickly released at the side of My Way.
Monday
Thomas 18lb 8oz
Tuesday
Mark 14lb 13oz
Wednesday
Lee 13lb 40z
Thursday
Kev 15lb 9oz
Friday
Giles 19lb 7oz
Top honours went to Claire Harwood, fishing for the first time afloat with her partner Dave. Claire hooked, played and landed the biggest hound of the whole week; a magnificent specimen that weighed 21lb and 12oz.
What a way to start your boat angling career.
The next Smoothhound Challenge is scheduled to run between May 25th and 29th 2015.
Details will be released soon; bookings are being taken already … don’t miss out
