Steve S

Sea News Update | March 2025 SURVEYS Cefas seeking to understand anglers' views, knowledge and compliance with regulations The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is calling on sea anglers to take part in a survey aimed at examining sea anglers' views, knowledge, and compliance with regulations in England and Wales. The survey seeks to gather essential feedback from sea anglers to understand how they receive, interpret and follow regulations. Participants will be asked about their knowledge of angling regulations, sources of information, perceptions of fishery management and experience as an angler. All responses are completely anonymous. This information will help to understand how best to share information on regulations and work with anglers to improve both knowledge and compliance. Your views on pollack management The Angling Trust is calling on the sea angling community to take part in a new survey on recreational pollack fishing. Open now until Sunday 23rd March, this survey is part of the Pollack Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (FISP) project. The research team behind the survey are not policymakers or fisheries managers, but the project’s findings will help inform discussions on the future of pollack stocks. The survey is an opportunity for anglers to have their say and contribute sustainable management of this recreationally important species. Pollack is a crucial species for recreational sea anglers, providing food, economic support for charter businesses, and valuable leisure opportunities. However, pollack stocks are in decline and there is a recognition by many within recreational angling that we need to play our part in its recovery too. VIDEO Dave Lewis reveals his special place to go fishing Angling Trust Ambassador Dave Lewis has been a passionate angler for as long as he can remember. In this Angling Trust film released last year, Dave talks about his early years in angling, why Llangennith is a special place to him and shows us the art of touch legering. BASS FISHING All About the Bass: opportunity to make a difference On 8th July 2024, passionate bass anglers, scientists and policymakers gathered for the inaugural “All About the Bass” symposium at the University of Essex. Organised by the School of Life Sciences in collaboration with the Bass Anglers’ Sportfishing Society (BASS), Cefas (the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) and the Angling Trust, the event was packed with discussions on the future of bass fishing and conservation. This was a unique opportunity for those who care about bass fishing to engage directly with experts and decision-makers. Over 70 attendees discussed how to manage bass stocks effectively and improve the future of bass fishing in the UK, Europe and Ireland. The event had two key objectives: first, to share the latest research on bass, including new projects from the University of Essex; second, to explore how anglers, scientists and policymakers can collaborate to protect bass populations and enhance bass fishing. ANGLERS AGAINST LITTER Free litter picking kits and recycling bins for clubs There is still time for sea angling clubs to apply for free litter picking kits and Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS) bins as part of our Anglers Against Litter – Reeling in Change project, funded by the Marine Management Organisation's Fisheries and Seafood Scheme. This initiative is designed to support our Anglers Against Litter campaign, sponsored by Shimano and supported by The Insurance Emporium, helping even more anglers join the effort to keep our coastal areas clean and beautiful. If you're part of a sea angling club and are willing to commit to at least two litter picks per year, all you need to do is: Apply for one of these amazing kits. Share your litter-picking photos with us. Litter kits include Anglers Against Litter High Viz vests and litter pickers made from recycled fishing nets. The ANLRS network, set up by anglers for anglers, offers a fantastic way to collect and recycle old line to stop it going to landfill. Interested? Send us an email with your club details to aal@anglingtrust.net Innovative plastics project in the South East An exciting aspect of our Anglers Against Litter – Reeling in Change project, is the Angling Trust are working with the Reduce Reuse Aquatic Plastic (ReAP) in the South East of England to collect aquatic plastic collected by sea anglers during litter picks. Do you have a litter pick event planned in the next few months? We want to collect from you! A lot of plastic collected by volunteer groups are fouled and thus many rubbish collectors send this to landfill or to be incinerated. We want to showcase that there are better ways to tackle aquatic plastic, with the opportunity for all aquatic plastic to be recycled and turned into new products. Interested? Then please contact our aal@anglingtrust.net email to find out more. BLUEFIN TUNA Catch & Release fishery to expand in 2025 The UK government’s annual submission to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), which sets out what the UK will need to support its bluefin tuna fishery, has been published. While still awaiting formal approval by ICCAT, the plan will see an expansion in the recreational catch and release fishery in 2025. The number of permits the UK government is seeking to issue has risen from 100 to 180. In the plan they submitted, Defra said it “expects to issue no more than 180 authorisations in 2025. However we will keep this under review and ICCAT will be updated as appropriate.” This gives room to negotiate to see this number potentially further increase. The Angling Trust and the UK Bluefin Tuna Association feel the science collected to date supports an increase in the number to around 200. FUNDRAISER Bid now in our annual Online Auction Our annual Online Auction has launched with the chance to bid for some fantastic lots! The event has become a key fundraiser over the past six years and we have worked hard to gather a selection of lots that appeals to a wide range of tastes and budgets. All monies raised will help us to continue our work to protect the waterways you fish in and the fish which live within them, ensuring their health and protection for future generations. Among the lots on offer is the chance to join Orvis Saltwater Beginners Guide Joe Walker for a fascinating day gaining a practical insight into UK saltwater fly fishing. Where to start, safety coaching, understanding tides, how to read the shore, target species, gear, flies and more, Joe will coach you through the essentials and give you the confidence to start your own saltwater fly fishing journey, exploring some of Britain’s 11,000 miles of spectacular coastline. COMPETITIONS Species Hunt - who will be our champions? It doesn’t seem that long ago that the 2024-25 Angling Trust/Tronix Pro Species Hunt campaign began – but we're now just weeks away until we know our champions! Elite League leader Ben Price had a blank month in February with nothing to add to his 76 tally, closest challenger Simon Lancastle enjoying the same fate with no new fish to leave him second on 71. In fact, nothing has changed in terms of the top three as third-placed Martin Avons also failed to trouble the scoreboard to remain on 63 species. Dave Oldbury and Carl Doble were tied at the top of the Seniors league after January on 56 fish apiece, but Dave enjoyed a good month, notching up five new species to retake the lead with 61, Carl replying with one fish for 57, third place continuing to be occupied by Mark Griffiths on 48. There’s little to report on the Juniors front, with only long-term leader Mark Banham adding anything, one new fish extending his lead to a seemingly unbeatable 32, second-placed Wilbur Wilcock still on 26 and Kacper Karp in third on 24. That only leaves the monthly Tronix Pro Specimen Prize for February to be decided. Winning that is Welsh rod Dave Williams who took a 100cm bull huss from a Pembrokeshire beach at the start of the month. Well done Dave! GET INVOLVED – IT’S FREE! The Angling Trust Tronix Pro Species Hunt is a free-to-enter competition where the aim is to get out and catch as many different types of fish as possible from the shore. With only weeks of the current campaign remaining, registrations are closed for this season. However, you can sign up for free for next season (2025-26) - all you need to do is register here. To find out more about Species Hunt click here. MEMBER DISCOUNT Get 10% off tackle and clothing at Go Outdoors Go Outdoors have a great range of fishing tackle both online and in-store - and as proud supporters of the Angling Trust they are offering members a 10% discount on all items. Go Outdoors have over 60 stores throughout the UK, 21 of which have Fishing Republic outlets inside, and stock a huge range of great value items perfect for walkers, campers and anglers. To claim your discount, login to your Members Dashboard to obtain your code for online purchases or show your valid membership card for purchases in store. SOCIAL MEDIA Keep up-to-date with the latest sea fishing news - join the Angling Trust Sea Angling Facebook Group Stay up-to-date with all the latest sea angling news and join the conversation - become a member of the Angling Trust Sea Angling Facebook Group today! TRADE PARTNERS Enjoy 2025 with fantastic hotel savings! Spring is just around the corner bringing exciting opportunities to explore, compete, and create unforgettable memories! As the Official Accommodation Partner of the Angling Trust, SportsHotels.com is proud to support the wider angling community with up to 40% savings at over one million properties worldwide – from hostels and boutique hotels to luxury beach resorts. Whether you’re planning your next fishing trip, a relaxing weekend escape, or a fun-filled family holiday, the perfect hotel deal is waiting for you. Kickstart your 2025 adventures with amazing savings and experiences you’ll treasure forever! The Angling Trust's work is supported by our Trade Associates Click on a logo to visit our Trade Associate partner's website Angling

Tigerfish is aiming for a 3 day trip between the Sat 3rd and Tue 6th May, with 18th to 20th as a reserve. Tides on the 16th and 17th May look a bit strong to me.

And the winner for this months photo comp is: My first bluefin! Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and who voted

Entries for photo of the month for Feb closed, we have 3 photos on 7 likes, please add your likes before the 5th March so we have a clear winner 😁

Please add your fish/boat/marine views photo's taken this month here, most likes wins. Winner announced on the 5th of the month following. The winning photo will be added to the photo of the month gallery.

I've asked AT which list is correct and asked them to get the lists in sync. Once I've got a reply I'll post it.

Please add your fish/boat/marine views photo's taken this month here, most likes wins. I'm restarting this, it kind of died a death last year with so few photos. We all like to see them you know. The plan is to announce the winner on the 5th of the following month to allow some time for later entries to get some likes.

UPDATE! https://anglingtrust.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Specimen-Awards-Scheme-Tables-2023-Revised-1.pdf The list on the main angling trust site is different for spurdog (14lb) and is also a later date, I think we should be going with that one. Clearly our lists need an overhaul. Will discuss at tonight's meeting

I haven't, access is through a tidal barrier of some sort I'd heard, so need to get your timing right.

We have been following the AT specimen sizes for the local area ie Area D, there was a discussion about deciding on changes by ourselves but I don't thing we ever did https://anglingtrustwessex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Specimen-Fish-Size-List-Chart.pdf A few years back we requested the specimen size be increased for Spurdog and Undulate (maybe another as well) and they duly did so at their review meeting. We have not made any recent requests to change, other clubs may have done so and I'm not sure we would necessarily become automatically aware when one changed Just going from their home page I didn't find this link or any list of specimen sizes but there it is on their website. I will follow up with them on this.

I've filled up there a few times, they are very efficient, Alderney is pricy now and has been since Covid. Need a big tank to make it worthwhile. I've had a few Turbos on the banks round Sark so I'd combine it with a visit there.

Good weather permitting Tigerfish will be going with Alun, Graham, Ian and myself on board

Looks like it Charlie, maybe possible in the afternoon, forecasts are highly variable. Maybe a case of wait and see.

EVENTS Angling for Sustainability is coming to Lymington Join us for another Angling for Sustainability workshop, this time at Lymington and District Sea Fishing Club on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, from 6 pm to 8pm. This is your opportunity to get involved and learn about the exciting fish tracking work we've been doing along the south coast over the last two years in partnership with recreational anglers and charter skippers. Come learn more about where black bream, sharks, and rays go along our shores. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just passionate about the future of our seas, all are welcome to attend. 📅 When: Thursday, 23rd January 📍 Where: Lymington and District Sea Fishing Club For more information contact fishtracking@plymouth.ac.uk Sign up now for the Angling for Sustainability and Pollack FISP final conference Join us for the Angling for Sustainability and Pollack FISP final conference at the University of Plymouth on 12th February 2025. You can join us in-person (spaces limited) or online. We’ll be sharing the results of our exciting research, made possible through invaluable collaborations with recreational anglers. From black bream to sharks, rays, and pollack, our work on these recreationally important species has helped gather critical data that we hope will inform evidence-based fisheries management and protect these beloved species for the future. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate the power of community science in shaping sustainable fisheries. VIDEO WATCH: Angling for Sustainability - unlocking the secrets of our seas Sharks, rays, and black bream are important to our seas, support many fishing businesses and are top angling species, but we know surprisingly little about their lives. Where do they travel? What habitats do they use? And do they return to the same breeding grounds each year? Through the Angling for Sustainability project, we’ve embarked on a mission to track these remarkable species. By tagging individual fish with high-tech trackers, we’re uncovering critical insights into their movements, nesting behaviors, and long-distance travels. Led by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with the Professional Boatman's Association, Southern IFCA, Natural England and the Angling Trust, our work with recreational anglers and scientists is shining a light on the connectivity between important habitats and helping inform sustainable fisheries. From cross-Channel journeys of black bream to tope swimming all the way to France, the results are fascinating. Learn more in our new video and stay tuned for exciting updates as we continue to track these incredible fish and work together toward preserving our seas for future generations FISHERIES MANAGEMENT Have your say on wrasse and bream fisheries The Marine Management Organisation is hosting a series of workshops to hear from anglers like YOU about bream and wrasse fisheries and their importance. Don’t miss the chance to have your voice heard! Workshop Dates & Locations: Monday, 27 Jan 2025: 🕠 Plymouth (17:30-20:00) – Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth Tuesday, 28 Jan 2025: 🕠 Falmouth (17:30-20:00) – Chainlocker Pub, Falmouth, Cornwall Thursday, 30 Jan 2025: 🕠 Weymouth (17:30-20:30) – Ship Inn Pub, Weymouth, Dorset Your input matters – come along and share your thoughts! ANGLERS AGAINST LITTER Free litter picking kits and recycling bins for sea angling clubs The Angling Trust is excited to offer free litter picking kits and Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS) bins to sea angling clubs as part of our Anglers Against Litter – Reeling in Change project, funded by the Marine Management Organisation's Fisheries and Seafood Scheme. This initiative is designed to support our Anglers Against Litter campaign, sponsored by Shimano and supported by The Insurance Emporium, helping even more anglers join the effort to keep our coastal areas clean and beautiful. If you're part of a sea angling club and are willing to commit to at least two litter picks per year, all you need to do is: Apply for one of these amazing kits. Share your litter-picking photos with us. Litter kits include Anglers Against Litter High Viz vests and litter pickers made from recycled fishing nets. The ANLRS network, set up by anglers for anglers, offers a fantastic way to collect and recycle old line to stop it going to landfill. Interested? Send us an email with your club details to aal@anglingtrust.net Call for sea anglers in the South East to get involved in innovative pilot Another exciting aspect of our Anglers Against Litter – Reeling in Change project, is the Angling Trust are working with the Reduce Reuse Aquatic Plastic (ReAP) in the South East of England to collect aquatic plastic collected by sea anglers during litter picks. Do you have a litter pick event planned in the next few months? We want to collect from you! A lot of plastic collected by volunteer groups are fouled and thus many rubbish collectors send this to landfill or to be incinerated. We want to showcase that there are better ways to tackle aquatic plastic, with the opportunity for all aquatic plastic to be recycled and turned into new products. Interested? Then please get in contact with our aal@anglingtrust.net email to find out more. MEDIA REPORT Thresher shark in Cornwall - our view You may have seen some recent media stories about a dead thresher shark washing up on the beach near St Austell in Cornwall. There has been very little recreational shark angling in the region throughout December, and the injury the shark had would be extremely difficult for an autopsy to attribute directly to sport fishing as has been stated and reported. The Angling Trust therefore believes it is unlikely that its death was caused by recreational angling, as is being reported. No shark anglers want to see a sight like this, which is why the recreational shark fishing community in the UK has some of the strongest best practice guidance in place. Here's some key things to remember if you catch a thresher: Don’t bring them onboard. Revive them before release - tow the fish alongside the boat to help water flow over their gills. Use the right tackle: circle hooks, heavy line, and appropriate traces. Minimise fight time. Pull in gear if you see a thresher when trolling for tuna to avoid bycatch. Check out Shark Hub UK for more information on best practice handling and to read more about how scientists and anglers are working together to learn more about sharks in the UK to inform their conservation. AWARDS Angling Trust's own shortlisted for Ocean & Coastal Futures Bob Earll Award Hannah Rudd, Marine Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Angling Trust, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Bob Earll Award, which recognises young professionals making a significant impact for marine and coastal communities. As a passionate marine scientist, environmental advocate and young angler, Hannah is celebrated for her work in promoting sustainable fishing practices and fostering collaboration between anglers and scientists. Part of her shortlisting is in recognition of her dedication to marine conservation and her efforts to ensure recreational sea angling is represented in policy decisions. Hannah's nomination highlights the growing recognition of recreational anglers in marine policy, especially in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sector. The award winner will be announced later this month. VIDEO WATCH: Day in the life of a young angler Some people are just naturally drawn to our sport and all that it offers. Lydia Thomas is one of those people. She's just 16 but is already an accomplished multi-disciplined angler. Follow Lydia, from sunrise to sunset on an angling adventure that takes her from river fly fishing to lure fishing at sea. SOCIAL MEDIA Keep up-to-date with the latest sea fishing news - join the Angling Trust Sea Angling Facebook Group Stay up-to-date with all the latest sea angling news and join the conversation - become a member of the Angling Trust Sea Angling Facebook Group today! TRADE PARTNERS The Angling Trust's work is supported by our Trade Associates Click on a logo to visit our Trade Associate partner's website

Great trip well done guys

Most likely Tuesday based on current forecasts

I'm planning to take Tigerfish over Charlie.

Loobie IV - Jerry, J2, Stuie

Weather permitting and it looks ok on the current forecast there will be a Flounder comp on the 14th and 15th December. Usual rules put your name down. Before the comp starts say which day you are fishing.

The website is randomly reporting 403 errors. Mark is onto this, it's not a bug in the new code, it's some sort of faulty interaction between Invision and Freeola, he is working the issue with freeola support (mainly they work during the working week). A get round that sometimes works is using the back button and keeping on refreshing, we know it is annoying.