The second annual West Coast Trolling Competition, the flagship event of the Ceylon Sea Anglers Club will be held on February 21 at the Mount Lavinia beach. This year is of special significance to the club as it marks its 75th anniversary.
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| Samantha with her catch |
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| Sailing at Clappenberg Bay - 2005 |
In the past, the club’s fishing competitions have attracted many anglers from diplomatic circles, the expatriate community, leading figures in society, professionals, retirees, students and also the tourist industry. Over 150 competitors together with a large number of members and their guests are expected to participate at the West Coast Troll 2009.
The event will start at 6 a.m. and end at 1p.m. The fish caught will be weighed at 1p.m. with the prize distribution being conducted soon after. A buffet lunch has been arranged at the Loon Tao Restaurant, Mount Lavinia for all participants, spectators and guests.
There will also be live entertainment and a kids’ play area along with refreshments and surprises for all. The club invites all anglers, well wishers and their families to join the event or just to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. First Prize for the largest fish caught over five kg is Rs. 50,000 in cash, second prize Rs. 30,000, third prize Rs. 20,000 along with several other prizes of fishing equipment and the Boat Raffle Draw.
Dialog Telekom is the main sponsor of the event. The world-renowned National Geographic Channel will be covering the day’s happenings along with Wijeya Publications (the print media sponsor), E! FM (electronic media sponsor) and the Dialog KIT Challenge Video Crew. . Several organisations such as Viksund Boats will give away an export quality boat worth over Rs. 200,000 and several gift vouchers. Urban Kitchen, Wilden Pumps and Hot Wheels Delivery Service are among the other sponsors.
Established in 1934, the Ceylon Sea Anglers’ Club is the oldest resident angling club in the country and perhaps one of the oldest in the world. Along with some of the other clubs set up in a bygone era, it boasts of a long and distinguished heritage. Sadly, in more recent times, the Club has faced some difficulties due to its location in one of the most beautiful yet troubled parts of the country. Due to the security situation in Trincomalee, the club has not been able to hold their annual East Coast trolling competition for a few years.
They have thus been actively involved in events on the West Coast to promote the sport of angling in a sustainable manner. General activities include promoting awareness and conservation of Sri Lankan fisheries and the coastal environment and also representing the interests of sport and game fishing at a national level. They also promote sustainable angling by encouraging the practice of “catch and release” as well as releasing fingerlings into threatened water bodies, where the natural fish stocks are running low.
The sport of angling in Sri Lanka has gained huge popularity over the years and trolling by boat has been a popular method of game fishing since the introduction of mechanized boats some 50 years ago. Angling is also a sport which attracts people of all ages and all walks of life.
For more information call: Y. Haridas (Hari) Mobile: 0777762276 E-Mail: haridas@mi.com.lk or sea.anglers@gmail.com |
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