The Annual Old Ben / ACE Fishing Festival took place on Wednesday 8th July from the beautiful Dorset area of Poole Harbour.

Ten boats were entered this year (about half the number you'd expect to see set sail in the heyday of this event) and it was a pleasure to see all our guests arriving in normal casual clothes and not the usual wet weather gear that has become necessary in recent years, was it going to last the whole day?

The ten boats sponsored Were:

• Sidewinder: Dawson News – Bournemouth
• Off Shore Rebel: Dawson News – Croydon
• Strongbow: Dawson News – Exeter
• Piscary: Solent SD – Southampton
• Sangina: Seymour Distribution
• Blue Duo: Gold Key Media/Mail Newspapers
• Sheilas Promise: Higgs International
• Random Harvest: Mirror Group Newspapers
• Okker: Menzies Distribution
• Mistress Linda: Bedfords Transport

And thanks to all those companies that took to the seas this year.

With the weather being kinder, all boats were able to venture out well beyond the sea wall. The skippers then headed for their own special areas, confident that their "local knowledge" would be better then their rivals.

The bonus on the day was not only did the weather stay dry but all boats landed good numbers of fish. Mostly Sea Bream, Pouting, Wrasse, with a couple of exceptions immediately ensuring a trophy for the guest concerned.

It was a good day, not only did the weather do us proud but the fish obliged as well. The skippers did well and so did the ACE crew, thanks to all those who took part - see you again next year!