Angling Active was so proud to be a part of the very first UK Kilchoman Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival. We were present for the long weekend supporting, contributing and filming this amazing festival.
“With the favourable comments and observations from the commentary and from individual’s pieces to camera, we feel the film is going to generate a great deal of interest towards a bigger and better event next year.” – Derek Aunger – The Salt Advisor.
“Very much enjoyed watching it and it certainly brought back some fond memories. I am sure that viewers will be inspired to consider attending next years festival.” – Colin Macleod – The Salt Advisor.
“Absolutely brilliant! Thank you again so much for all the effort you have put in into making the film possible!” – Amelia Whitaker – The Salt Creator.
Steven McVean of Angling Active wins “The Salt”
The Sponsors and Organisers behind The Salt.
The Organisers mantra was very simple. “This will be a premium event, managed by professionals, where every single participant will have an amazing experience. It will be a prestige event with international credibility, allowing anglers to mingle, to share experiences, to learn and above all to make new friends, the fish being returned unhurt to the water with catch and release –
Saltwater flies, floating and intermediate lines.
Our take on the event was realising how accessible this discipline of fly fishing is around our coastline. There are hundreds if not thousands of miles of very fishy coastal waters all around us all over the UK and it is all “FREE”! All you need is pretty much the gear you have already and a bit of know how, and the coast is your “oyster”. Because of the noticeable shift to saltwater fly fishing in the UK, manufacturers are coming up with many saltwater friendly rods, reels etc for this market covering the different price points making it even more accessible to a huge number of potential anglers. We are of course supportive of any new market in angling, but this one has to be one of the most exciting shifts of the last few decades. Click here for some saltwater fly gear suggestions.
Clear water around St. Mawes, ideal for spotting fish.
Anglers of all abilities cannot fail to draw benefit from their participation as within the programme they can learn about wading, leader construction, tackle, flies and so much more. They can then put their watercraft into practice, seeking out the many species available from the shoreline. They can stalk the legendary Bass, experience the thrill of a Garfish on the fly, or be amazed by the fighting power of a Mackerel on light tackle. The competition area includes beaches, rocks, estuaries –
Steven tying up the Kilchoman Fly
Seabass fodder. This saltwater fly proved successful throughout the festival.
The Festival was a very special experience and the organisers have one heartfelt wish. They want those same anglers to come back to ‘The Salt’ year after year.
Austen Goldsmith’s “Zen 2” craft.
Results:
UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival 2015 Winners
1. Overall Winner of The Salt 2015 for “greatest length of fish overall”
1) Steven McVean – Angling Active
2) Toby Coe
3) Martin Webster
Wins; 2 nights at Hotel Endsleigh in Devon and situated on the River Tamar.
2. LargestBassCaught
1) Martin Webster
2) William Neville
3) Steven McVean – Angling Active
Wins; Day out Sea Bass Fishing with Austen Goldsmith
3. Most length of sea bass Caught
1) Martin Webster
2) William Neville
3) Steven McVean – Angling Active
Wins; SNOWBEE GEO Rod and Reel.
4) Most species caught 3 species (mackerel, bass and pollack)
1) Steven McVean – Angling Active
2) Martin Webster
3) Blaede Russell
Wins; SNOWBEE Diamond rod And Reel.
A special mention and prize went to Blaede Russell (aged 18), our youngest competitor, who came fourth overall.
Wins = Day 0ut with Casting instructor Derek Aunger.
Garfish on the fly.
Fishing saltwater during a sunset.
If you can make it, from the 15th and 18th September 2016 there is an abundance of things going on before the weekend festival competition on the Saturday and Sunday.
