THE 22nd Wales Air Ambulance Open Beach Fishing Competition, organised by Pembroke & District Angling Club and Osprey Sea Angling Club, took place on Sunday, 4 January on Amroth beach, South Pembrokeshire.

Despite snow and ice in the days before, conditions on the day were cold but dry, with only a light southerly wind and a gentle surf—far better than many feared given reports of blizzards further east.

A total of 39 anglers took part, including three ladies and two juniors.

Although numbers were slightly down on previous years, the support was greatly appreciated.

Fishing proved steady, particularly for flatties and dogfish, with 13 anglers weighing in 12 flounders, six dogfish and a dab. Other fish were caught but were either undersized or too light to challenge.

Adam Roberts took first place with three flounders for a winning bag of 1.78kg, earning £200.

Second place—and the prize for the heaviest single fish—went to Osprey SAC member and organiser Haydn Cole, whose superb 1.07kg flounder secured him £100. Third was Martin Wilson with two flounders totalling 1.115kg.

In the pairs competition, Haydn and Paul Curtice claimed first place with three flounders and two dogfish for 2.755kg.

Rob Collins and Ben Cook were second with two dogfish and a dab weighing 2.005kg.

The ladies prize went to Kirsty Culley with a 590g flounder, while the juniors were led by Rhys White (470g), followed by Wynter Protheroe (230g).

Most importantly, the event raised an impressive £642 for Wales Air Ambulance, bringing the competition’s 22‑year total to over £26,000. Sincere thanks go to the organising clubs, Ian Wilkinson of the Temple Bar Inn, and the many generous sponsors.

The next event—the 16th RNLI Annual Fishing Open—takes place on Sunday, 1 February. Fingers crossed for good weather and another strong turnout.