Humberside/Lincolnshire/Yorkshire report

Shambo’s new rods turn heads

I have just tried the new range of shore rods from Julian Shambrook’s ‘Anyfish Anywhere’ stable on Cleethorpes Beach. AFAW rods have sold well in the last few years and these new rods certainly turned heads… mine included. Julian is in town preparing for the Smooth hound open on Saturday and gave anglers an early opportunity to try the new rods. George Smith, Bill Shepard, Karl Nangle, John Atkinson, Garry Hutson and Jez Waters all worked the rods. For starters, there’s a stiffer tournament rod and a match rod with a fabulous fishing tip, both of which impressed. Julian also told me that progress is being made on a range of boat rods, which probably be launched next year.

As mentioned, all attention is on Saturdays Daiwa Smooth hound Open along the Lincolnshire coast. With well over 100 anglers attending and a many star names, it promises to be an excellent event. Hopefully the wind won’t spoil the fishing and some good fish will be caught. On Sunday it’s the Skegness Pier SAC match, with many anglers stopping over and fishing both matches.

England International shore angler George Smith is opening a tackle shop in Middlethorpe Road, Cleethorpes. Called ‘Georges Tackle Box’ and set to open in a little over a week, the shop will be managed by Adie Cooper.

Last Sunday was round two of the Yorkshire NFSA summer league at East Halton. John Atkinson was top man, with Neville Charlesworth second.

The weather looks a little ropey for the weekend, so boat fishing could again be curtailed. There were a few smooth hounds from the Humber marks last weekend, while some managed to find bass. I look forward to locking horns with some big tope when the weather permits.