Ventnor Junior Open - Andy Manning Memorial

Ventnor Angling Club hold a junior open competition every year in August and this was Jakes 3rd year at it. On his first attempt, aged 3, he somehow managed to come 3rd out of about 50 juniors and certainly raised a few eyebrows......most I think directed at me....but I swear all I did was bait his hooks for him and hold the rod with him while he cast!
Anyway, today his sister wanted a piece of the action too so after digging worms the day before the whole family set off for a day out.
This is a great way to introduce youngsters to fishing and the club try to have enough prizes on the table so every one walks away with something.
The target here is wrasse and they can be found 10 yards out from the sea wall in abundance. The action is non stop for the three hour duration of the competition and the kids love it! The two of them were pulling fish out left right and centre, keeping both Ali and I busy baiting hooks, getting fish measured and released.

They were both flagging by the time the three hours were up but they had both done very well. Jake finished 12th overall and managed best under 6. He walked away with a tenner and picked a scooter from the prize table. Sadie wasn't far behind and she choose a pink radio/cd/mp3 player!

The whole event was a credit to the club and it's sponsors. We'll be back again next year for another go!