STEVE Turner cast himself in the role of early-season winner in Furness Fishing Association Beach Section's first even of the season.

Turner triumphed in the sun at Aldingham, beating a big field of 47 anglers, including three juniors, on the sandy shore.

It was a closely-fought contest between the top three – Turner, Kevin Dickinson and Mark Lamb – with the lead changing numerous times.

Turner emerged victorious with a bag of flounders measuring a total length of 299 cm. Dickinson and Lamb were second and third, with 254cm and 199cm respectively.

The average fish length was 35cm, and Will Ashton's 41cm specimen bagged him the longest fish prize.

Despite her young age, junior winner Caitlin Sharpe is a seasoned regular and took the prize with a brace of flounder for 55cm.

In total, 86 fish were landed for a total length of 30.84 metres, a figure set to be smashed in future matches as the FFA head further into the season.

The FFA thanked everyone who turned up on the day and the committee for organising the matches, with early starts on the day pegging out and countless hours planning.

Paul Phillips said: “We want to say a big thanks to the top local fisherman who took the time to come down and fish, Gareth Griffiths, Bri Carter and Ged Stevens.

“It's not often you get chance to fish next to an England international or Penn League high-fliers.”

All eyes are now fixed on the next match at Plumpton, for the D Huck Memorial, on Sunday.

Booking on starts at 8.15am at Canal Foot car park, with fishing starting at 9:45am. New members are welcome and family pegs can be arranged in advance.

STANDINGS AFTER ROUND ONE

1. Steve Turner, 49pts; 2. Kevin Dickenson, 47pts; 3. Mark Lamb, 45pts; 4. Brian Carter, 43pts; 5. Mattie Phillips, 41pts; 6. Ian Moscrop, 39pts; 7. James Ashton, 37pts; 8. Derek Dickenson, 35pts; 9. Marc Moscrop, 33pts; 10. Ian Lowrey, 31pts.