Skilled fishmonger, Mike Crates, 54, is sharpening his knives in preparation for his title bid at the 2010 Young's British Fish Craft Championships.
Mike, who works at Ashton's Fishmongers in Cardiff, has been competing in the British Fish Craft Championships for 38 years, and has come second 18 times.
"I am constantly being invited to be a judge, because I've come close to the top so often, but I love competing, there's nothing like it," he explains.
"The atmosphere is fantastic, and even after all this time, I get nervous.
"This is the second time for the championships to be held in Cardiff - they were in London before - and the cheering and shouting from the Welsh supporters is great."
Thanks to its huge popularity last summer, the 2010 Young's British Fish Craft Championships will again form the centrepiece of an action-packed August Bank Holiday weekend in Cardiff Bay.
The fish extravaganza runs from 28-30 August, and will include demonstrations of fish craft skills by members of the National Federation of Fishmongers, fish cookery demonstrations performed by celebrated local chefs, and the Welsh Oyster Opening Championships - where the deft-fingered will show their dexterity in the clean and speedy opening of 30 native oysters in as fast a time as possible.
Experienced fishmongers, will be on hand to provide helpful advice on how to pick the freshest fish, pass on useful tips on choosing best buys and give demonstrations on how to expertly prepare your catch.
The event will be held in Roald Dahl Plass and is organised by the National Federation of Fishmongers, and will be a key fixture in the hugely popular Cardiff Harbour Festival which includes tall ships, an open air market, craft stalls and live music. The event also provides a chance for the public to buy fresh fish at bargain prices.
"Last year we attracted large crowds to the event, and our auditorium was packed throughout," says Jonathan Adams, National Federation of Fishmongers craft committee chairman. He adds:
"We aim to capitalise on that success this year by providing the public with a greater diversity of events.
"Fish consumption is on the increase and the event provides an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of fish and to provide the public with new and exciting ways of preparing and cooking it."
The 2010 Young's British Fish Craft Championships receives support from the Welsh Assembly Government, True Taste Wales, Cardiff Harbour Authority and Cardiff Council.
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce is a freelance journalist and PR consultant in Cardiff. See her website here.
