THE CONTRAST was marked, six decades of a difference.

Veteran fisherman Pete Masters was just packing up to go home to Ilfracombe when the boys arrived.

Masters had been out at Riverton Fishery since 6am and it was now 5pm.

Introduced to the sport at 7, and now 67, he has been fishing since way back when Britain was still in the grip of the austerity years following the Second World War.

And still he loves it. So it was music to his ears to hear that a schools fishing competition is gathering pace in North Devon.

"Good idea, it gives them something to aim at," said Masters as he went on his way.

Cue the new generation, but with words that could have come from Masters's own mouth.

"It's my favourite sport by far, different to all other sports," said Conor Billett, 16, a member of the Pilton Community College team.

The World Cup and Wimbledon were in full cry but Billett was not thinking football or tennis.

"I would rather be doing this than anything," he said.

And, sounding like a marketing spokesman for the Angling Trust, team-mate, Brad Harman, also 16, said: "It's the computer age and everyone is stuck indoors while we are outside. More people need to know about fishing. It's a great sport to get into."

As holders of the North Devon Schools Angling Trophy, Pilton had a reputation to defend and both boys admitted to pre-match anxiety.

"I was quite nervous in the car but it's good to be nervous," said Billett.

Harman put it more strongly. "Before matches you would be a bit stupid not to feel nerves," he said.

One of the more experienced young anglers, Harman has been fishing for three years, during which he has developed an impressive enthusiasm.

"If it cost hundreds of pounds I would do it every day," he said. The reality is easier on the pocket and he has it covered.

"I work here every Saturday, things like mowing grass and picking up litter, and I get £20 and a day's fishing," he said. "The £20 is always spent on fishing."

Only one problem. "I don't actually like fish," he grimaced. "I can't stand the smell either."

Harman's teacher, Fearghal Magee, who began Pilton's fishing club four years ago, confirmed his pupil's dedication after an inauspicious start.

The youngster had gone to Riverton to try it out but, rather than coarse fishing tackle, he came armed for sea fishing.

"As I approached Brad I saw a huge splash in front of him and it wasn't a fish," said Magee. "It was sea fishing tackle — a huge float, mackerel feathers and a massive weight.

"We use light tackle so the float is light, the weights are light, the hook is tiny. Sea tackle, because of the waves and the power of the ocean, is heavier.

"There was no chance of him catching anything with this stuff, he was using completely the wrong gear and he hadn't a clue. And now he's in the competition. He's one of the best anglers I've ever seen."

Magee's own first experience, more than 20 years ago, was no less memorable. He was a victim of kidology but it did the trick.

"It was a fish that my uncle had caught, put on the hook and cast back out again, then he gave me the rod and said, 'Look, you've got a fish'.

"I reeled it in and I still remember the thrill of that fish. It worked well, it got me hooked."

Now, through the school fishing club he started, Magee is endeavouring to pass on his passion.

The trophy competition, supported by the Environment Agency and Summerlands Tackle, was inaugurated last year after West Buckland School challenged them to a match.

Held for the second time last week, Great Torrington Sports College joined in and made an immediate impact, their team of Sam Freemantle, Taro Bell, Hayden Morris and Hallam Chapman winning the trophy.

Based on seven points for a tench, five for a carp, three for roach, rudd or bream, and one for a skimmer, Great Torrington scored 125 points, Pilton 64 and West Buckland 36.

For Great Torrington, selection to their team of four was not based on the best anglers.

Andy Bloodworth, director of sport, said: "The two more experienced guys aren't competing because they already compete for the school in other activities.

"It's a chance for the kids who haven't represented the school.

"You don't have to be good at sport to be at a sports college. It's a mainstream school."

Magee started the club at Pilton using best practice. "The fish are released straightaway and in as humane a way as possible," he said.

"It's about getting them off the street and away from their PlayStations, about teaching them how to untangle their rods, how to set up floats and how to tie the correct knots. It's about giving them the taste."

And you never know, Brad Harman may even get to like the smell one day.