Congratulations to Damien Billington for landing this absolute beast of a tope from a rock mark on the Isle of Man, which was weighed at a massive 83lb 6oz – bigger than the current British record 82lb 10oz tope landed at Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire in 2022.
Monster tope landed at Isle of Man rock mark
Huge Somerset Bass from the shore for Jason Atkins
Wow! What a bass this is! Jason Atkins was shore fishing for sole from a Somerset shore mark when this old warrior picked up his leftover lugworm offering. He had to play the fish – which went 16lb 5oz and looks bigger – with kid gloves on a size 2 Varvivas Aberdeen hook. Many congratulations […]
New world cod record – 102lb!
Sometimes only really the picture is needed. It looks like Daniel Pipe has set a new world record cod fishing out of Sandland Brygge with this 102lb brute of a fish which measured 168cm. Wow!
Recreational UK bluefin tuna fishery approved; open from August 2024
After more than six years of dedicated efforts by the Angling Trust and the UK Bluefin Tuna Association (UKBFTA), the legislation enabling the opening of a recreational catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishery in UK waters takes effect from June 7th, 2024. This landmark achievement, under the guidance of the multinational Atlantic bluefin tuna organisation, ICCAT, paves […]
Angling Trust fight for anglers to have their say as the government commits to exploring recreational pollack management in 2024
Over the last tenweeks, the Angling Trust has worked hard behind the scenes to avoid the worst-case scenario for recreational anglers through the annual UK-EU negotiations following ICES advice on pollack for a zero catch in 2024. Thanks to our work, anglers will now have an opportunity to have their say on pollack management in […]
DEFRA announces intention to establish a Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery
DEFRA has announced plans to establish a Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery in England in 2024. Stakeholders welcome this but have serious concerns regarding some key aspects of the proposal. Three of the biggest stakeholder representative bodies in a future recreational bluefin tuna fishery have welcomed the publication by DEFRA of their consultation […]
Recreational Bluefin Tuna Fishery Consultation Launched
Defra has launched a consultation on ‘Permitting regimes for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna in UK waters’. The consultation is open until 4th September 2023. You can view the consultation here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/recreational-aquaculture-and-migratory-team/bft-recreational-fishery/ This is the next step in the development of policy options regarding the establishment of a Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF). Last year’s consultation on […]
Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel Mixed Flatfish Fisheries Management Plan Consultation Opens
Monday 17th July the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel Mixed Flatfish Fisheries Management Plan consultation has opened for 12-weeks. The consultation closes on 1st October 2023. As the Angling Trust understand it, there will be two opportunities to respond: online consultation via Citizen Space, and in-person via a Defra roadshow (details still to be announced). You […]
Bass Fishery Management Plan Consultation Opens
After more than a decade campaigning on bass, the Angling Trust remain committed to delivering a bass fishery management plan that prioritises the sustainable rebuilding of the bass stock, maximises the benefits derived from the stock to coastal communities through equitable allocation of the bass quota and transitions the bass fishery away from environmentally damaging […]
Angling Trust launches ‘Fishing for Good’ 5-year plan
The Angling Trust has launched its vision for fishing and the environment in its five-year strategic plan, Fishing for Good 2023-28. Through the pillars of campaigning, participation, competitions and supporting grass roots clubs and fisheries, the report outlines how the Angling Trust will play a leading role in achieving key goals that will enrich and […]
No sandeel fishing for 2023 in effort to protect marine ecosystem
• UK fishermen will not be permitted to catch or swap any of the UK’s 5,773 tonnes of North Sea sandeel quota in 2023. • Sandeels are an important food source for various marine birds, such as puffins and kittiwakes. • By not allowing sandeel fishing for 2023, Defra aims to reduce negative impacts on […]
International Game Fish Association Launches Pioneering Billfish Research and Conservation Endowment Campaign
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global leader in game fish conservation, is proud to announce the launch of its Billfish Research and Conservation Endowment Campaign, an ambitious initiative focused on ensuring the future of these iconic species. The unparalleled initiative will provide long-term funding solutions that support studies that augment data on billfish […]
England’s first national Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code launches to help people enjoy the coast responsibly
• First national Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code launches in England to help protect animals and habitats • The code encourages those visiting our unique coastlines to do so in a way which also protects our marine wildlife such as seals, seabirds and dolphins • The code was developed in collaboration with Whale and Dolphin […]
Spurdog fishing returns to UK waters after stock recovers
This weekend (1 April) UK fishermen were once more able to fish Northeast Atlantic spurdog in UK waters as the latest scientific evidence revealed the stock is recovering and can support landings in 2023 and 2024. Spurdog (Squalus acanthias), also known as picked or spiny dogfish, are a type of shark species that inhabit UK […]
International Game Fish Association Launches New World Record Length Category for Kids
Young anglers have a new chance to catch and release IGFA World Records The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global conservation non-profit that manages world records for all game fish species worldwide, recently debuted a new category for junior anglers to compete in World Record fishing. Beginning March 1, 2023, the new IGFA All-Tackle […]
