Source: Angling Trust
The program promotes the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle through the sport of angling and the increased awareness of the England’s marine and associated environments. The funding will double the partner group’s ability to reach as wide an audience as possible across the community.
In August 2013, South Coast Boat Angling Club, Sussex Marine Group, West Sussex Angling Academy and officers from the Angling Trust with the kind permission of Shoreham Port Authority arranged for two days of free Angling and Environmental Awareness sessions, including free coaching for all members of the local community at Shoreham Port, Sussex
Despite poor weather both days had a great turnout. More than 60 prospective anglers from all ages came to learn and enjoy fishing both in the North Harbour basin and on board local charter boat She Likes It II, supplied by the skipper for free at his personal expense.
The West Sussex Angling Academy provided medium-weight tackle and shelter from the elements, the Angling Trust provided lightweight equipment and event support. Whilst several coaches and volunteers from SBAC were on hand, including Peter Winder from Hove based Lagoon Bait and Tackle who provided the fly coaching.
All the participants enjoyed the days and recorded their response with the organisers. In the words of one of the attendees, Andrew Hiller:
“My son and I would like to thank everyone involved in today’s free coaching session at Shoreham port, we both enjoyed our day and have learnt new fishing skills to keep for life and have made new friends. Everyone involved was amazing with their patience, we are looking forward to the beach session and hope you get funding so that others may experience the day we have had. We will signing up to Angling Trust once again.”
In respect of the fishing no mullet were recorded but wrasse featured heavily as did blennys and pipe fish, and there was a fantastic fresh mackerel supper thanks to Mark Vale – participants know exactly where this fish was sourced and that it was environmentally sustainable due to the fact that they landed it themselves!
The event was organised by Reg Phillips, one of the people behind setting up the Sussex Marine Region of the Angling Trust – he was delighted with the turnout saying:
“A lot of work went into organising this event and both days were very successful – a big thanks to Shoreham Port Authority and in particular Julian Seaman who helped make this happen We’re looking forward to organising more events in the future.”
It is from this original pilot event that the initial seed was sown that will hopefully grow to reach more or of the community and engage them with information and coaching on activities that are: healthy, active, educational, engaging and informative. It is hoped to double the scope and size of the delivery and create a pathway from the taster days into the local clubs and associations who support the program.
