The 50th annual Chesil Championships shore angling match took place on Sunday, November 9, marking a major milestone for one of Dorset’s longest-running fishing competitions.
Despite battling strong winds and heavy overnight showers, dedicated anglers turned out along the stretch of coastline from West Bexington car park to the Dragon’s Teeth at Abbotsbury. The challenging conditions didn’t stop a variety of species being landed throughout the day, including dogfish, conger, pout, whiting, bass and undulate ray.
Ben Bradstock claimed victory with an impressive 768 points, followed by Jullian Shambrook on 693 points and Harry Coxhead with 561 points. All three secured cash prizes and first choice from the prize table, with prizes extending down to 17th place thanks to support from Tom Marley and The Angling Centre West Bay.
Charles Davies, who finished sixth overall with 302 points, earned a special cash award for the best round fish of the day—a bass worth 275 points. Rounding out the top seven were Ian Dabncey in fourth with 477 points, Jason Brown in fifth with 320 points, and Dave Lane in seventh with 275 points.
The West Bay Sea Angling Club offered thanks to all supporters of the landmark 50th event, including prize sponsors The Angling Centre West Bay, The Farm Shop, Devon Baits, Fortis Eyewear, Sakuma, Akios, Spin It, Breakaway Tackle, Gemini Tackle, NightTide, Fenix, Sidewinder and Rovex. Appreciation was also extended to The Beehive and staff for hosting the prize-giving, as well as to John and Frances Hunt for organising the raffle.
Despite the tough weather, the golden-anniversary event proved a fitting celebration of half a century of angling tradition on Chesil Beach. The club now looks forward to welcoming competitors back for the 51st Championships next year.
