Imagine: two whole days of uninterrupted fishing off the picturesque shores of Islay, waters jumping with an abundance of natural sea life, and a host of visiting tope. Add to this the thrill of competition, a glittering array of prizes, barbeques, music, and drams by the harbour - The Stormcats Islay Tope Fishing Festival is a fishing contest with a difference.
Now in its fourth year, the event is getting bigger and bigger. The 2008 Festival saw 29 boats leave the harbour in one day, a 42 lb winning tope, bags and bags of different catches, and almost £3000 raised for charity.
Dozens of prizes, from ‘The Heaviest Tope,’ to ‘The Most Unusual Fish’ are awarded in Senior, Junior, Male, Female and Overall categories– something for age groups and abilities. Thanks to a huge number of generous sponsors, there is some seriously good prize money, as well as a variety of vouchers, fishing equipment, and outdoor clothing to be won... And of course, there are no shortages of donations from Islays famous eight malt whisky distilleries.
Due to popular demand, the 2009 festival will be extended to two days in August, and a third day in September. Contact StormCats for further information and watch this space for future developments and details.
Last Updated Tuesday, December 09 2008 @ 11:56 am WET|28,654 Hits 
