By Karen Cox
On a very blustery Friday 23rd August the annual Junior Fishing Competition took place in Ramsgate Royal Harbour.
With Storm Lilian making her presence known outside the harbour walls, the decision was taken to only fish in the safety of the Harbour, so after registration the excited children all set out in the fishing boats and moored up around the pontoons.
The junior fishing competition in aid of the RNLI was the brainwave of volunteer crew and local fisherman, Jason Parrott and his wife Dawn. They started in 2017 enlisting help from their friends in the local fishing community, who all give up a day’s fishing income to support the event. They are also supported by a large band of friends and family, as well as RNLI crew who ran the shore-based side.
With the wind dying down and the sun shining, the fun continued ashore with a raffle, tombola, cake stalls, and BBQ amongst the offerings. The Ramsgate RNLI shop also had a stall manned by volunteers whilst young Elsie (above) sold homemade brackets and necklaces.
Every child who takes part is given a fishing rod, reel and tackle box so they can continue fishing after the event, plus a goody bag, with everything being donated by local companies.
Jason and Dawn work tirelessly throughout the year to raise sponsorship in order to hold this event and have raised over £30K, not including this year’s total of £8000.
DJ Andy from Southern Sounds provided the backing tracks creating a party atmosphere in the afternoon and acted as compère whilst the Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr. Pat Moore handed out the prizes.
The final results were:
In 1st place for the Girls – Isla (above) fishing on Lady Ann.
2nd place Lexie fishing on Poseidon
3rd place Flo fishing on Poseidon
1st place Boys – Erwin (above) fishing on Poseidon.
2nd place Freddie fishing on Flyer
3rd place Yefyn fishing on Bonwey
The biggest fish a 2 1/2lb eel was caught by Jadon Williams
Overall best boat was Poseidon who were presented with the Championship Shield.
The Kevin Abbott Cup went to Presley for kindness and support shown to his fellow sailors.
The Gary Dunk and John Parrott Memorial shield went to Stanley Anastasia.
