By Isle of Wight Observer
A teenage Isle of Wight angler has been recognised for showing respect for the fish he catches, his surroundings and the people he fishes alongside on Ryde Pier.
Fifteen-year-old Jay Smith from Ryde is the latest winner of the Wightlink Most Responsible Angler Award.
Event organisers Vectis Boating and Fishing Club (VBFC) welcomed 31 junior anglers to its summer Fishing Frenzy series on the pier. Although fish numbers were down on previous years, the club was pleased plenty of young anglers took part.
“Jay has such a calm personality and takes everything in his stride,” said Colin Webb of VBFC. “He’s fished the frenzy for at least five years and, although he has always been competitive, he has never won before.”
Jay responded: “It is great to win this award. I take the environment I fish in, and the care of the fish themselves, very seriously.”
This was the last time that the Ryde Academy student was eligible to compete in the Fishing Frenzy.