Report below summarised from the Ulster Krakens Facebook Page:
On Saturday, 29 November, the Ulster Krakens Open Competition returned to Waterfoot. Reports from the previous two weeks had been poor, with storms leaving the beach heavily covered in weed. Committee members monitored conditions closely, and a local angler provided updates throughout the week. After inspecting the venue early on the day, the committee confirmed that although part of the beach remained full of weed, the opposite end offered clear and fishable water.
The peg draw began at 1 p.m. in the Mariners Bar, where anglers gathered for some banter before heading to their positions. Fishing commenced at 3 p.m., and early action was slow, with few flatfish being landed. As darkness fell, attention shifted to round fish, and seven bass were caught across the beach. Junior angler Layton Finlay landed the biggest at 37 cm, while Paddy O’Boyle earned the title of “bass bandit” with four bass.
Sam Nicholl remained on the end peg after peg 1 went unused, and Sammy on the opposite end peg delivered a strong performance, including a 39 cm coalie. On peg 17, Raymond McCann landed a notable 35 cm flounder. With little information circulating among competitors, results remained uncertain until lines were lifted at 8 p.m. and scorecards were tallied back at the Mariners Bar.
The organisers expressed their thanks to all participants and to Josie McLaughlin of Causeway Bait and Tackle for generously sponsoring prizes.
Overall Results
• 1st – Sam Stirling: 29 fish, 714 points
• 2nd – Ally Nicholl: 28 fish, 657 points
• 3rd – Craig Henderson: 27 fish, 630 points
Junior Section
• 1st Overall: Layton Finlay – 5 fish
Prize Winners
• Longest Round: Sam Sterling – 39 cm coalie
• Longest Flat: Raymond “Fish Whisperer” McCann – 35 cm flounder
Species caught included flounder, turbot, dab, coalie, rockling, pollock, codling, whiting, bass, and dogfish.
The organisers offered congratulations to Sam Stirling on a well-deserved win and expressed hope to welcome everyone back next year.
