Sea Angling Classic 2022 opens with huge parade through Portsmouth streets with anglers praising the youth turnout

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RODS at the ready – an inaugural sea angling competition has opened with hundreds of anglers and children parading through the streets of Portsmouth, as competitors say the city is a ‘brilliant example’ to other coastal towns.

The Sea Angling Classic 2022 will see 62 boats take to the Solent from Friday to Saturday in a bid to win historic trophies and a £150,000 angling boat as the grand prize.

Competing boats will be paraded around Portsmouth Harbour at 6pm tomorrow, and the event was officially opened with a parade from Guildhall Square to Gunwharf Quays this evening.

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Anglers taking part in the parade said the event – which featured school children and Scouts groups from across the city – was a much needed attraction for the next generation of anglers.

23rd Portsmouth beavers, cubs and scouts. Sea Angling Festival opening parade, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 150622-07)23rd Portsmouth beavers, cubs and scouts. Sea Angling Festival opening parade, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 150622-07)
23rd Portsmouth beavers, cubs and scouts. Sea Angling Festival opening parade, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 150622-07)

Jamie Cook, the CEO of the Angling Trust, said events like the Sea Angling Classic were vital for keeping the tradition alive.

He said: ‘Portsmouth has such a rich heritage, it’s a brilliant location for it – Portsmouth is an example to other coastal communities, showing them what is possible.’

Nick Wallis, who previously ran Allan’s Marine fishing shop in Twyford Avenue, said the event was a brilliant way to encourage more young people to take part in an important part of the seaside city’s traditions.

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But he said increasing bureaucracy around club’s supporting junior members meant many city angling clubs had suffered dwindling youth membership over the last 15 years.

A £150,000 boat is up for grabs as the grand prize of the Sea Angling Classic 2022. 
Picture: Chris MoorhouseA £150,000 boat is up for grabs as the grand prize of the Sea Angling Classic 2022. 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse
A £150,000 boat is up for grabs as the grand prize of the Sea Angling Classic 2022. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

The 56-year-old, who will be taking part in the competition, said: ‘But it’s legislation that’s done it. It’s gone beyond needing a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to take kids out fishing.

‘There used to be 150 kids who would come to fishing clubs around the city.’

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But plenty of young people were enjoying the parade to launch the Sea Angling Classic, inspiring several to take up the hobby for themselves.

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The trophies made by apprentices at BAE Systems are shown to the crowd. Sea Angling Festival opening parade, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 150622-11)The trophies made by apprentices at BAE Systems are shown to the crowd. Sea Angling Festival opening parade, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth
Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 150622-11)
The trophies made by apprentices at BAE Systems are shown to the crowd. Sea Angling Festival opening parade, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 150622-11)

Lucas Newell, a 10-year-old member of 23 Portsmouth Stamshaw Scouts group, said: ‘It was very exciting to be part of the parade – I really liked it.

‘I really want to go fishing with my friends, but I haven’t got around to it yet.’

Sarah Bostock, a Scout leader with 23 Portsmouth Stamshaw Scouts group, said the competition had created a buzz within her group.

Sarah, who has been with the group for more than three years, said: ‘They have absolutely loved it. They have been really looking forward to it as it’s not something they have done before.

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‘Our Scout section do the fishing badge every year – it’s really good for their mental health and it’s a really good skill to have.

‘I think parents are working longer hours that means it’s harder to find the time – and it can be hard to fund the equipment.

‘We are really lucky we do a lot of fund raising for our events, but also a lot of the scout leaders bring in their own personal equipment.’

The competition concludes on Sunday with a range of live acts performing in the Historic Dockyard from 10am, leading up to prize giving and then a winners boat parade from 12pm.

With fighting words already coming from some competitors, Nick said he was confident of his chances: ‘Others go fishing – we go catching.’

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