Coll Fishing Competition 1989

With 1989 being a real sunshine summer through to the end of ]uly one would have thought that the annual fishing competition would have been held in calm conditions. This however was not to be, and after one cancellation due to strong winds the competition finally was got underway by Commodore Angus Kennedy.

It proved to be quite boisterous with a moderate south westerly wind and a rough sea. Some crew members, unaccustomed to such conditions, very soon succumbed and were seen to be feeding the fish rather than catching them. The sight of Robert and Hamish Erskine bobbing about in the smallest boat in the competition, making a good day of it and coming in third in the competition, gave the other competitors heart, and despite the weather the evening was enjoyed by all.

In general, fish were difficult to find and although the catches contained a good proportion of mackerel, they were only being caught in ones and twos rather than full darrows as was the case so often in the past.

The prize giving dance was held in the Community Hall to music by Neil Morrison and his band.

The results of the competition were as follows: -

Boat with the heaviest catch - Robert Sturgeon Jnr. (Skipper), Ruth Sturgeon, Mike Lowther.
Boat with second heaviest catch John Fraser (Skipper), Karen Taylor, Mary Nottidge.
Boat with third heaviest catch Hamish Erskine (Skipper), Robert Erskine. Heaviest Fish (Local) - Colin Kennedy.
Heaviest Fish (Visitor) - Ann MacFadyen and Mary Nottidge.
Children's Classes (Fishing from the pier)
15 - 18 years - David English.
11-15 years - Edward Johnson.
Under 11 years - Rachel Greaves