THE ‘high seas’ of Cornwall proved no match for a band of brave anglers who cast their lines and reeled in some whoppers during the 65th annual British Sea Angling Festival in Looe.

The six day festival drew in the usual catch of returning anglers, who had not been put off after last year’s event was severely impaired by the weather. They were pleased to have enticed three new faces aboard as well.

The teams joined either Phil Curtis on his boat ‘Typoon’ or Pat Davis on ‘Poseidon’. With these expert skippers at the helm the day was hailed a good haul.

During the festival points were scored for different species. Those taking part were pleased to report that numbers of certain species appeared to be up in places — a positive sign for the local biome and marine-life.

Participants said the prevalence of small Comber was particularly noticeable this year, having significantly increased in numbers since they were first re-recorded just three or four years ago.

There was more welcome news as a growing incidence of small Red Bream were noted, which had been absent from the area for some years.

Other notable catches were some good sized Pollock and Ling with a few Black Bream, Red Gurnard, Bull Huss and even a John Dory.

Newcomer Rob Pearce with his first ever Ling
Newcomer Rob Pearce with his first ever Ling (John Bolt)

Organisers reaffirmed that the festival remains ‘conservation conscious’, with catches being returned to the sea unless they were retained for the table or for bait.

British Sea Angling Festival secretary John Bolt said: “Thanks are due to skippers Phil Curtis (Typhoon) and Pat Davis (Poseidon) for putting us on some productive marks and helping to make the week a great success.”

A presentation evening took place at the Hannafore Point Hotel on Friday, September 25, and a number of trophies and certificates were presented by president Armand Toms. The overall winner scoring the highest number of points over the festival was John Booth who was presented with the Edgar Sealey Challenge Cup. The partnership of John with John Shaw was also successful in both team events.

Commending the participants, Mr Toms said the event showed a solid commitment from the town to keep boat skippers and the local tourist economy alive.

A raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses and anglers themselves, raised £265 which was donated to Looe Lifeboats.

John added: “We are looking to expand the festival and have booked Poseidon and Typhoon for 2027, the dates for next year being Sunday, September 12, for six days.”

The Looe Sea Fishing Festival was established in 1960. In recent years, the festival has been making a comeback, with more places being booked year after year.

Interested in taking part? Find out how to enter next year’s event at www.britishseaanglingfestival.co.uk