Industry backing for UK’s richest boat fishing tournament

Two leading fishing trade associations and top tackle manufacturers are among the backers of a major new sea fishing event that will be take place off the UK coastline.

Ross Honey (pictured above) – founder of Angling Spirit, the organisation behind tournaments that include the World Carp Classic and the World Predator Classic – has added the Sea Angling Classic to the line-up. It will take place in the Solent off England’s south coast from July 23rd to 25th next year and is expected to feature 400 boats and an estimated 1,200 anglers.

Backing the event are the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and the UK’s Angling Trades Association (ATA) alongside industry giants, which include Pure Fishing, Rapala Storm and Daiwa. 

It will also offer what is said to be the largest and most valuable prize table ever offered in recreational boat fishing in the UK.

Honey says that the event will be more than simply a sea fishing competition with an emphasis on conservation and the environment. It will feature daily beach clean-ups and a focus on the importance of the flora and fauna in the Solent. There will also be a special children’s fishing academy run over the days of the tournament by the Angling Trust, the representative body for anglers in England and Wales.

“This will be an event like no other, encompassing a vast spectrum of elements and initiatives covering marine research, education, business networking and a boost to the local economy,” said Honey.

The event will be officially launched in July this year with a media event that will include a two-day boat fishing competition.