Scottish sea fishing facing big challenges - and not just because of coronavirus

Scotland’s sea fishing bosses face real challenges this year – and not just because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sportscotland have withdrawn funding to the sport and this means that the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA) has to survive on individual annual memberships and fees from clubs.

SFSA president Mike Horn said the organisation, which is now in lockdown because of COVID-19, must now manage their income carefully.

Another challenge has been the retirement of Ian Napier as secretary and Horn admitted his departure has left a "massive" hole.

For the first time in their history, the organisation does not have a secretary to handle administration and to man the phone.

Three new members have, however, been elected. Mike Kyle from Dalkeith and Horn’s son, Chris, from Kirkcaldy, plus Alasdair Campbell from Lanark, bring, said Horn, enthusiasm and a social media skill set to the board.

Big challenges

Horn said: “We face challenges both financially and in personnel, however the executive have been working hard in the background to keep the federation in a good position."

Before the world-wide pandemic struck, the federation had run competitions, attended international events and organised training.

He added: “There is much more we would like and need to do and our objective is to improve, promote and protect our sport. For example, I would like to see the federation become even more active on environmental issues and grass roots development.”

And the president, who is a keen competition angler, reminded fishermen that members enjoy personal indemnity insurance cover in case an accident happens.

Individual memberships are £20 for seniors, £22 for families and £2 for juniors and club membership fees are £50 per club.

Eyemouth trips

Elsewhere, Aquamarine Charters boss Derek Anderson plans to start six-hour fishing trips out of Eyemouth earlier than planned.

He had pencilled in June 6 to kick-start his summer programm,e but has invited anglers through social media to join trips on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.

Finally on sea fishing, The Paul Roggeman European Open Beach Championship 2021 will be from Friday 26 February to Sunday 28 February.

Tickets will be available to book at a later date via the website https://www.eobc.co.uk/ and the event HQ will be Sand Le Mere Holiday Village, Tunstall, near Hull (North Humberside, HU12 0JN). Accommodation at Sand-Le-Mere will is not be available to book currently.

On to fly fishing and The Kingdom Fly Championship has been cancelled for this year. Organiser John Callison said that he had no option following COVID-19.

Government talks

On a national level, David Ogg, the chairman of Angling Scotland, said they had presented their return to fishing ideas to the Scottish Government and wait for advice from professionals in the health and political arenas to allow anglers to return to the sport.

Mr Ogg said that Angling Scotland had received a positive response to their detailed dossier which stressed a phased return to fishing North of the Border.

Ogg said: "We realised that there was little likelihood of a quick return and all the indications from the Scottish and UK Governments are that there will be a phased relaxation towards the normality we were used to previously.

"That is why we presented a two phased approach with the easiest things to do first and the more difficult things later."

He added: "The view of our board is that travel is key. The vast majority of anglers travel some distance to fish and there are only a fortunate few who can leave their house and go straight onto a river bank or loch or seashore to fish.

"At the moment there is a very limited definition and angling is not included as one of the reasons to make an essential journey."

Boat issues

One tricky area involved in a return, he said, is boat fishing and he added: "Quite a lot of game angling, in particular, takes place in a two- or three-person boat.

"Also, the sea guys go out in boats in fairly close proximity of each other with anywhere from two or three or five or six or seven people (or more) on a boat.

"That is obviously a much more difficult return to pre-March norms.

"The most important thing is that we assist in getting this situation (COVID-19) under control that is by behaving ourselves and following the guidance that the Scottish Government and UK Government have introduced."