Boat Angling News - January 2022
Normark UK heading for Inaugural Sea Fishing Classic
Rapala, Storm and 13 Fishing supporting new sea angling event.
Lure manufacturing giants Rapala. along with sister predator brands Okuma and 13 Fishing are heading to this year’s brand-new Sea Fishing Classic.
The brands, distributed by Normark UK, are supporting what is set to be the biggest recreational boat sea fishing competition in the UK. The event is being organised by Angling Spirit, the same team who run the World Predator and Carp Classic events. The media invitational launch will be taking place on the 16th June this year on the South Coast of the UK.
But the initiative is much more than simply a sea fishing competition. Throughout the three days of the launch, there will be a major emphasis on conservation and the environment, with daily beach clean-ups and a focus on importance of the Solent’s flora and fauna, including its native seagrass.
The brands have put their backing to the event by offering thousands of pounds worth of top tackle in what is gearing up to be a fantastic prize pot.
The competition will see anglers fishing for a number of different species over the weekend including bass, sea bream, skate, Smoothound and tope.
Daryl Hodges, joint managing director of Normark UK said: “Excitement is really ramping up for what looks set to be a fantastic event. We have already supported and worked closely with some of Angling Spirit’s other events and this one looks set to raise the bar. There are very few big sea fishing events in the UK so with saltwater fishing enjoying somewhat of a boom at the moment it’s great to have something on the calendar for those anglers to look forward to.”
There will also be a number of activities for junior anglers during the weekend including coaching sessions and competitions, something which Normark UK support strongly.
The inaugural event took place last year but this year is proper and will see up to 400 boats and 1,500 anglers competing for the biggest prize table in UK boat angling history.
Daryl added: “It’s great that the event is also about supporting the next generation of anglers coming through with competitions and coaching, giving youngsters a taste of a style of fishing they probably wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do. I am really looking forward to seeing what it’s all about and where it can go in future years.”
Neil Bryant – England Team Manager retires
After 16 years working with Brian Owen on the Angling Trust National Sea Boat angling Selection Committee Neil Bryant is standing down. Neil has made a significant contribution to the National Boat Team on the Selection Committee and as Team Manager. He was a winning member of the FIPS World Championship. Neil achieved many things on the match scene including the organisation the 2014 world championships in Weymouth.
His involvement over time has seen the change from NFSA to the Angling Trust and with his determination has helped maintain continuity for the National Squad throughout this period of change. Neil’s commitment and passion will be missed but he will continue his presence in the sport as Chairman of the European Federation of Sea Anglers - England.
Pete Neale, a fellow Angling Trust Director says of him
“I worked alongside Neil for longer than I care to remember, and I have nothing but admiration for him. As chairman of the National Team’s and Competition group he has made my job a lot easier, he was always willing to help wherever he can. We rely heavily on Neil to organise boat squad weekends which prove invaluable to selecting both world and home nation teams and always on the end of the phone to give me advice when needed”.
Angling Trust throws its support behind the Sea Angling Diary Project
The Angling Trust is joining Defra, the Welsh Government, Cefas and Substance in calling for sea anglers in England and Wales to sign up to the Sea Angling Diary project.
The project invites sea anglers to provide information on how often they fish, what they catch and what they spend. This informs UK government and angling federations about the value of sea angling for our economy and how marine fisheries can be managed more efficiently and sustainably. The Angling Trust is joining the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers and a wide range of other angling, marine and fishery organisations who support the project, including: The Association of IFCA’s Institute of Fisheries Management, the National Mullet, B.A.S.S. Fishing Megastore, the ATA and British Sea Fishing UK.
Now that sea angling is embedded in the 2021 Fisheries Act, and public funding has been provided to support the recreational sea fishing sector, more anglers using the Sea Angling Diary will help provide better data on the sectors value and impact. This is more important than ever as the UK government works with all fishing stakeholders to improve and support the sustainable management of marine fisheries.
Since 2016 the Diary project has provided data on over 48,000 sessions and 362,000 catch records from 216,000 hours of angling activity. This has contributed to understanding the economic benefits, broader societal benefits around well-being, and the impacts of Covid on sea angling in the UK.
If you want more details or to sign up, click this link: www.seaangling.org
Media and event partner announced for Reel Masters 2022
Reel Masters, the new angling festival taking place in Weymouth from 30th September to 2nd October, has announced that Mercator Media, publishers of Boating Business, as a major partner. The event which will have live music, delicious local food, the latest new products, as well as chances to view demonstrations and meet professional anglers.
Reel Masters is happening both on land and sea and will be an exciting experience for the whole family – an angling festival - with demonstrations, competitions and charter boat fishing experiences. Mercator Media is a long-established media company focusing on maritime and the sea. It brings experience producing leading exhibitions like Seawork and Icelandic Fisheries, also conferences such as Coastlink and more. Andrew Webster, Chief Executive of Mercator said, “We have worked with the Reel Masters team previously on other events and know them as dedicated professionals. We are delighted with the opportunity”.
Suzanne Coop, Reel Master Director says, “We are now confident that we have the partners in place to make sure we deliver to all those passionate about fishing. In what has been a difficult backdrop for events and public gatherings, there has been a surge in outdoor sports – especially fishing – and we are excited to now give a platform to the saltwater and predator angling community.”
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities and exhibition prices please contact: Suzanne Coop on
07825050990 or email info@reelmastersshow.com
Kayak Angler of the Year Competition to be held at Reel Masters 2022
Kayak Angler of the Year will host its first saltwater qualifying event at Reel Masters 2022.
Reel Masters is delighted to announce Kayak Angler of the Year – KAOTY will have its first-ever saltwater event at Reel Masters 2022. Reel Masters partnership with the KAOTY competition will become one of the highlights for kayak anglers all over the UK. There are several events and kayakers who fish all events can compete for an entry to the Hobie Fishing Worlds. The KAOTY is organised by Dave Morris from Anglers Afloat, who is also a member of the Hobie UK Fishing Team. The KAOTY competition is a lure only, catch and release competition in the bountiful waters off Weymouth. Anglers will have the chance to target bass, mackerel and pollock amongst other species and will be a single day of fishing on the Saturday of Reel Masters 2022.
Shore Thing, Hobie specialists based in Poole, Dorset, will also run an Introduction to Kayak Angling experience on the beachfront so visitors to the show can experience these state-of-the-art pedal kayaks first-hand. Show visitors can also browse the latest new products from the boat and fishing industry, listen to live music, visit the marketplace, eat delicious local food, view live demonstrations, and meet professional anglers face to face. One of the presentations on the main Reel Masters stage will be given by Ian Harris of Dizzy Big Fish. A prolific kayak angler and author, Ian will talk about the challenge and thrill of kayak fishing. Reel Masters 2022 provides the best the boating and angling community has to offer and will be held from September 30th – October 2nd 2022 in Weymouth. With full support from the historic Weymouth fishing community, a branded boat competition, introduction to kayak, shore and charter boat angling opportunities, Reel Masters is for everyone from angling enthusiasts to families looking for a new experience and fun day out.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities and exhibition prices please contact: Suzanne Coop on +44 (0) 7825050990 or email annie@reelmastersshow.com.
Penn signs up to support the Sea Angling Classic as an Event Partner
One of the best-known sea fishing brands in the world, Penn, has become the latest major name to commit its support for the new angling event, Sea Angling Classic, taking place in June.
Penn is drawing on its 75 years of experience in saltwater angling to support this exciting new competition, which will be run out of Portsmouth from 15th -19th June. A major factor in its decision to get involved is that the Sea Angling Classic combines a major sea angling competition, conservation and environmental initiatives, education and research, while aiming to introduce a whole new generation to the sport.With what is billed by the organisers as the most valuable prize table ever offered in a UK sea fishing event the Sea Angling Classic is set to attract hundreds of boats and anglers.
Dave McCartney, Senior Marketing Manager at Penn Europe, said: “As Penn is one of the leading saltwater fishing brands in the world, it’s important that we support initiatives that represent the saltwater angling category. “When we were approached about the Sea Angling Classic, it was something that really excited us. We’re looking forward to the event and making it a huge success and we look forward to a long-lasting partnership between Penn Fishing and the Sea Angling Classic.”
To find out more, visit www.seaanglingclassic.com or follow the event social channels on Facebook and Instagram.
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