News

This July will see the televised media invitational launch of a new dynamic high profile boat fishing event; the “Sea Angling Classic”. The event will be based on the South Coast of the UK, at Northney Marina on Hayling Island, using the prolific diverse fishing grounds of the Solent. The Sea Angling Classic is being organised READ MORE

A science-based recreational bluefin tuna fishery has been given the green light by Defra.  This news, welcomed by anglers, was secured by Bluefin Tuna UK, with the support of the Angling Trust.   On 23rd April 2021, Cefas and Defra confirmed that an English CatcH And Release Tagging (CHART) program for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna will operate in the waters of the South and West in Autumn 2021.   Steve Murphy READ MORE

Up until 2015 there was very little evidence of Atlantic bluefin tuna in Cornish waters but from then onwards there does seem to have been a quantum shift in numbers of these wonderful game fish. A campaign – Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK – headed by recreational sea angler Steve Murphy has been working with the READ MORE

IFCA’s have reached their tenth anniversary, and as a result are recruiting new members for their committees. Recreational angling has been woefully under represented on these crucial bodies meaning that very often we have no voice over local management regimes. There are ten IFCA’s in England (Scotland and Wales have their own management regimes) Cornwall, READ MORE

Following the announcement of a second lockdown, starting on November 5th, the Angling Trust was able to clarify, very quickly the rules relating to recreational angling. They have offered some initial guidance and interpretation of the guidelines. Formal notice will be available once they have had further consultation with the DCMA and Sport England. Overall READ MORE

These amazing fish have made a spectacular return to our waters but what is their stock status and is it possible we’ll be able to catch them any time soon? As I write this I’ve heard about a massive shoal of hundreds of blue fins spotted by Looe based skipper Murray Collings while he was READ MORE

Tim Macpherson looks at how DEFRA are now engaging with recreational sea anglers to create a World Class Fishery. For those of you who do follow my blogs on angling and angling politics you will be aware that over the last year or so the Angling Trust has been engaging closely with the fisheries team READ MORE

With the passing of the deadline for submissions on advice from Natural England about the latest tranche of Marine Conservation Zone designations the next phase of the process of consultation is on the horizon As always, all the various interest groups are gearing up to try and find a way of preventing restrictions on their READ MORE

Tim Macpherson comments on the latest research released by CEFAS into sea anglers. New research, carried out by CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) and research specialists Substance, in to the attitudes of recreational sea anglers reveals that anglers want greater consideration of their needs and better regulation of commercial fishing practices. Well READ MORE

Great news for charter boats, after putting pressure on DEFRA to clarify their guidance news guidelines have changed to allow boats operate. This will; come as welcome relief =to hundreds of skippers and thousand of anglers across the country. Here is the statement from the Angling Trust. Following a campaign by the Angling Trust and READ MORE