Will Irving leads the qualifiers on a hard day at Cold Knap

The second qualifying leg of six in this year’s DragonMania Welsh shore championships took place at Cold Knap Pebbles, hosted by the Angling Cymru Sea Anglers East Region.

It proved to be a tough day for the 12 anglers that turned out; weather conditions were prefect for the venue, however the fishing was hard with only five anglers catching fish.

The venue Cold Knap Pebbles

All bar one, fish were caught early in the match – with only one fish caught on the ebbing tide. Four Species showed up as follows; bass, spotted / smalleyed rays and smooth hound.

The first of Will Irving's spotted rays

The top five finishers secured their place in this year’s 30-angler final – which is at Pwllheli on 9 August.

Taking first place was Will Irwing from Cardigan with three spotted rays for 165cm.

Will with his third spotted ray.

Ian Carpenter from Newbridge was second with a single smooth hound of 89cm. Third was Mark Cruickshank from Port Talbot with a single smooth hound of 85cm. Jamie Mills from Newport, Gwent, was fourth with a bass of 73cm (7lb), with Matthew Jones from Pen y Graig, in fifth with a smalled ray of 57cm.

Jamie Mills with his 73cm bass.

All fish were safely returned.

Congratulations to Will, Ian, Mark, Jamie and Matthew on qualifying the final.

Top 5 (L-R): Matthew Jones, Mark Cruickshank, Will Irving, Ian Carpenter & Jamie Mills.