22 replies to this topic

[fishyrob]

It occured to me that I dont believe there has ever been a squid fishing competition in the UK. But they have been reliable in visiting my part of the coast the last couple of years in the early spring. And stomache contents of recent fish catches suggest that their offspring are out there in force right now. I think that they are reliable enough, that I reckon it might be fun to have a competition that is squid only!

Does anybody have any experience of squid competitions? Are there any unseen hiccups to my cunning plan?
The Brighton Marina is ideal for competiive fishing, and with little else to fish for when the squid are around, it just might get a few more people interested in squid! I have yet to check out a tide book, but I thought I would float the idea on here to see if there is any reaction!!

[glen]

hi rob,

i have considered running a squid fishing competition myself in the past but never got round to it.

like any fishing competition, you may have problems with some people catching the squid the day before, and then bringing them in to be weighed!

Also, you would need to consider how you would market the event (newspapers, go to local fishing clubs to promote it etc)

Try to get a sponsor for some nice prizes (maybe a local tackle store)

Set a start and end time

Consider whether you will have an entry fee or not, etc

Best thing to do would probably be to visit some local fishing clubs to see if there is sufficient interest! It would be a bit depressing if no one turned up!

Cheers and best of luck! If it does happen please send us some pics!

Cheers, Glen

[kinmad]

I would certainly be interested.

[fishyrob]

I would certainly be interested.

Might have to be an unofficial competition. In fact' we could call it SQUidFISh's first UK Squid-in! I ran it past the operators of the marina, but they had concerns over algae and sliperiness at that time of year. But, hey, Kinmad, you are officially invited to join the squid-in at Brighton Marina, Date mid-march, TBA on the week according to local weather conditions. How does that sound?

[kinmad]

Might have to be an unofficial competition. In fact' we could call it SQUidFISh's first UK Squid-in! I ran it past the operators of the marina, but they had concerns over algae and sliperiness at that time of year. But, hey, Kinmad, you are officially invited to join the squid-in at Brighton Marina, Date mid-march, TBA on the week according to local weather conditions. How does that sound?

Sounds good to me!I shall have words and see if i can drum up some more interest too!

[phil the fish]

It occured to me that I dont believe there has ever been a squid fishing competition in the UK. But they have been reliable in visiting my part of the coast the last couple of years in the early spring. And stomache contents of recent fish catches suggest that their offspring are out there in force right now. I think that they are reliable enough, that I reckon it might be fun to have a competition that is squid only!

Does anybody have any experience of squid competitions? Are there any unseen hiccups to my cunning plan?
The Brighton Marina is ideal for competiive fishing, and with little else to fish for when the squid are around, it just might get a few more people interested in squid! I have yet to check out a tide book, but I thought I would float the idea on here to see if there is any reaction!!

Hi Rob, Have you tried at this time of year, the water is clear due to lack of gales, and the squids are normally a lot larger from hatching in the spring and growing through out the summer. They seem to follow the small schoolie bass around, and then tuck into the herring and sprat when they start in November. Cheers. Phil the fish

[fishyrob]

Hi Rob, Have you tried at this time of year, the water is clear due to lack of gales, and the squids are normally a lot larger from hatching in the spring and growing through out the summer. They seem to follow the small schoolie bass around, and then tuck into the herring and sprat when they start in November. Cheers. Phil the fish

Hey Phil,

I didnt have a go yet, but they are definately about. I have heard of the odd one being caught by accident on feathers, and a lot of reports of Pouting being whacked, leaving "V" shaped nicks at the base of the head. Can only be Squid or Cuttles. Will definately float a jig when I get down to the marina next, just not sure when that will be!!

[fishyrob]

Happy new year all.

The squid competition looks like it could be a goer. Most likely to be in late March, dependant on weather conditions!

[kinmad]

Happy new year all.

The squid competition looks like it could be a goer. Most likely to be in late March, dependant on weather conditions!

COOL! Will you be posting details on here closer to the date?

[fishyrob]

I mosrt certainly will. I also have TRONIX tackle sponsering the event,with free squid jigs for every competitor!!

[fishyrob]

Had a quick look (an hour) yesterday down brighton marina. No signs, but they should turn up in the next few weeks!

[fishyrob]

Had another look today. No squid, in fact no fish. One rockling caught all day, from what the warden was saying...!

[MikeKCT]

Not too certain what would be involved but here in my part of the US we would need to get proper permits in order to hold a tournament of any kind. Whoever would organize that may have to find out if that is required in the UK as well.
Too bad I am on the other side of the pond and won't be able to join in.

[fishyrob]

Not too certain what would be involved but here in my part of the US we would need to get proper permits in order to hold a tournament of any kind. Whoever would organize that may have to find out if that is required in the UK as well.
Too bad I am on the other side of the pond and won't be able to join in.

We are lucky enough to be a bit easier over this side of the pond. All competitors would have to buy a ticket to fish the marina (its private) but get covered by insurance on the strength of that.

[MikeKCT]

Oh I wish we had that! Not only do you not need permits but you get insured as well? Outstanding!

Hope you get a big crowd and everyone gets some squid.
Enjoy and have a great time! Best of luck to all and I still wish I was there.

[fishyrob]

Seas are beining to clear. Winds to 62mph last week on my weather station. But swung Northerly now. Although there are only daytime temps of 4 degrees C this weekend, if the sea clears, and we get some sunshine, I reckon it will be squid time on the marina!

A few basic guidelines for the comp, when it gets called.

One rod, max two jigs
£3.50 marina ticket
£5 entrance fee. All entrance fees will be donaed directly to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
No cash prizes, but Tronix Tackle will be sponsoring the event, and supplying Tronix Jigs to all competitors
There will also be some other tackle prizes on the day.
Highest Total weight of squid wins.

More of a friendly gthering in aid of the RLNI basically, but should be a lot of fun, and if you havent fished for squid before, should be a learning experience! Comp will be called when ideal conditions arrive, which hopefully should be around the first weekend in April

Edited by fishyrob, 18 March 2008 - 07:15 AM.

[glen]

sounds great! i wish i was there!

[fishyrob]

Not the cheapest option it has to be said...... but there is a flight for about 1300 GBP.....

Edited by fishyrob, 18 March 2008 - 07:52 AM.

[glen]

Nice one!!! hahaha I will probably have to wait until next year!

[fishyrob]

The Brighton squid arrived inshore last week!! Caught my first one, and dropped a few on the surface as well. Quite a day, as I managed to catch two lobsters in the morning as well, so it was Lobster for breakfast and squid for tea.
One interesting point. We new the squid were there, because they were jumping on our float fished prawn as soon as we cast them. But when we went over to jigs, they didnt want to know. But when we had the bright idea of lashing a strip of mackerel to the back of the jig with whipping cotton, we got a result. The water was still slightly coloured, so maybe this had something to do with it!

Anyhow, its looking good for the "First All England Squid Championships" on next Saturday, the 10th May. If anyone is interested (did you win the lottery yet Glen?) feel free to e-mail me - Robin@fishyrob.co.uk - for more details.

My first squid of the year.....