There is absolutely no question that the fastest growing branch of Game Fishing in the UK is saltwater fly fishing
From near obscurity ten years ago you will now see fly fishers on any major beach around our shores, on any day in the summer. Most tackle makers or manufacturers have at least one saltwater outfit in their range and many have a whole package of dedicated tackle on offer. There are guides to teach us, hotels to host us, tales of double figure Bass to tempt us, and an image of supreme fighting fish in a stunning marine environment. Saltwater fly fishing is cool, it's growing, and it's here to stay.
From their base at Nearwater in historic St Mawes, Amelia and Tim Whitaker wanted to help dispel the myths and to promote the sport. Above all, they wanted to showcase the fabulous saltwater fly fishing that exists in Cornwall, and to show the World that this little county at the South Western tip of England is, rightfully, at the very hub of the game.
And so the UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival - 'THE SALT' - was born. How better to promote the sport than to invite the worlds best anglers to sample it! With sponsorship, guaranteed media coverage, and great fishing on offer they reckoned that the event would work. Couple this with an amazing social programme, impeccable organisation, and a festival programme that includes a training day with some of the top Pro-Guides in the business - it's an irresistible package.
The Organisers mantra is 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 to share experiences, to learn and above all to make new friends, the fish being returned unhurt to the water with catch and release. - all within a great atmosphere and against a backdrop of the stunning coastline of Cornwall.
Yet although it's growing fast, the number of anglers enjoying this fantastic fishing is still small, especially when viewed against overall angling participation figures. Relatively few fly fishers have sampled it's delights and most are totally unaware of just how amazing it is. There are even some myths around it: Do you need special tackle? How do you find out about the mysteries of wet wading and rock-hopping? How do look for or locate ‘fishable’ areas or marks? How do you actually get started?
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 - there is endless variety.
The Festival will be 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.
Read an Article written by David Profumo for Country Life about the 2015 Festival
Accommodation available in the St Mawes Area:
Top End:
Idle Rocks Hotel
Hotel Tresanton
St Mawes Hotel
Mid Range:
Nearwater Bed and Breakfast (This is the home of the organisers Tim and Amelia Whitaker) offering a 10% discount for anyone booked on the festival.
If come down with a group of friends then Cottages can be booked see Cornwalls Cottages or Portscatho Holidays
The Rising Sun
Braganza Bed and Breakfast
The Ship and Castle Hotel
Campsites: