6 September 2018

During the summer holidays Shoreham Port offered a warm welcome to the Angling Trust Sussex Marine Region (ATSMR) by opening access along the North Bank inside the harbour, to stage a series of fun family fishing days for the local community.

An impressive 210 children and families took part in the event, with a range of fun activities available from fishing on the grassed embankment, to learning different fishing styles including float and lure fishing. A highlight of the event included two local charter skippers taking families out to sea for a spot of mackerel fishing, at a special discounted rate to the Angling Trust. Attendees returned to Shoreham Port pleased with their experience and with a healthy catch of fresh, local seafood to take home!

Reg Phillips from ATSMR commented “All the hard work to organise and run these events is forgotten when you see smiling faces and everyone enjoying a sport they never realised could be so enjoyable. To see the younger generation, observe with their own eyes the diversity of the marine environment they would otherwise never get to see, was brilliant. Thank you to Shoreham Port for providing the clean toilet facilities and a safe platform from which we can offer fishing to the local community.”            

Reflecting on her day at the Port, local parent Tara Measom commented “We had a fantastic time today, it was a great new experience for me and my girls and not one I would have thought to try. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. We look forward to taking part in more events. My girls have been talking about it all evening, my youngest has asked for her own rod so we can go after school!”

Sean Lacey, a representative of Trident Sea Anglers said “It’s been really nice to be able to give something back to the community and be able to share our knowledge about fishing with the different generations who attended, trying to get them actively involved in the sport.”

Julian Seaman, Harbour Master & Director of Marine Operations at Shoreham Port commented “The fishing sessions are an excellent way of encouraging youngsters into the sport, it is also a great way of teaching the groups vital safety techniques for working with mariners. We are delighted to be a part of making these events possible and are pleased to hear how popular the sessions were this summer.”

Category: Community