Anglers heading out from local ports are not only finding some hefty summer cod over the wrecks, but also an unusual number of quality ling.

Matthew Nutt found that out when he went afloat from the Lymington-based boat ‘Last Laugh’ skippered by John Skeggs.

During a hectic day’s fishing, Nutt used a mackerel flapper bait to tempt a number of fish including a real beauty.

Shore anglers have also been catching some great fish with Andy Sloane using a whole scad fished at very close range along the Steamer Point section to tempt a good bass.

It was the only fish he had during an all night session.

Some quality fish have been caught along the Hillhead section with Nathan Mills (Eastleigh) beaching a trio of hefty smoothhound with the best an impressive 14lb 8oz.

Mills used peeler crab presented on a size 2/0 hook to tempt the hounds, which were all weighed and then released alive.

An 11lb 12 smoothhound was caught along the shoreline at Netley by Simon Hales (Sholing). It took ragworm presented on a size 1 hook intended for smaller species fished at close range.

l A top prize of up to £450 could be on offer when Lymington SAC stage their annual bass only catch & release competition fished around the Lymington Sea wall on August 13.

Fishing will be from 1pm to 5pm with the draw getting underway at the Lymington Clubhouse from 11.30am. Tickets (pre paid only) are £15. Full details from Loni’s (01425-616323).

GOSPORT & DISTRICT AC: A junior catch & release competition held on the local pier produced plenty of fish including wrasse, pout and pollack.

Results: Ben Eggleton223cm, 2nd Samuel James 202cm, 3rd Adam Griscti 63cm, 4th Harry Gille 17cm SHILREY SAC: Smoothhound completely dominated during a shore competition fished along the Warsash section.

Richard Dunham caught the heaviest fish, an 8lb 12oz hound landed during the last ten minutes of the match. Results: 1st Ian Miller 29lb 15oz, 2nd Richard Dunham 8lb 12oz, 3rd Steve Middleton 6lb 4oz, 4th Wayne Hart 5lb 14.5oz, 5th Kevin Dunham 2lb 14oz.

LYMINGTON & DISTRICT SFC. Members sampled a fair days sport during a shallow boat fixture, the day’s best specimen was a 2lb 8oz black bream recorded by Robert Miness. Results: 1st Phil Morgan 26lb 9oz, 2nd Robert Miness 24lb 10oz, 3rd Brian Ansell 9lb 1oz, 4th Derek Smith 6lb.

The third round of the bait supplied catch & release boat league which is supported by Loni’s of New Milton produced 342 fish including no fewer than 14 differing species. Ed Taylor topped the podium with 373 points followed by Malcolm Stote (345).

CHRISTCHURCH & DISTRICT FC: Smoothhound and gilthead bream supplied limited action during a shore competition held at Lepe. Results: Steve Kent 12lb 8oz, 2nd Jeff Summers 5lb 2oz, 3rd Doug Hawkins 1lb 10oz.