THE UK SALTWATER FLY FISHING FESTIVAL 2024 TAKES PLACE BETWEEN THURSDAY 3 AND SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER 2024 IN AND AROUND THE HISTORIC ST MAWES FISHING HARBOUR. SIGN UP, JOIN IN AND GET HOOKED…
My word. We could ramp this up with as many fishing puns as is humanly possible. But we’re not going to do that. Instead, we’re just going to give you the facts as succinctly as possible: this is the UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival 2024 and if you’re into angling in the sea then you should book your place to join in the fun between Thursday 3 and Sunday 6 October 2024.
The festival, which takes place in the waters around St Mawes Harbour near Falmouth, is, after ‘seven very successful years’, quite simply one of the biggest events in the UK’s game fishing scene. Fly fishers from around the world rock up to the event that is ‘suitable for both the highly experienced fly fisherman and those less experienced’ who want to learn more about this exciting form of fishing.
Expect the beaches and rocky areas around St Mawes to be packed with anglers and their rods during the festival, with participants encouraged to catch and release their game. Prizes, of course, are given out to the best fly fishers and there is ‘training’ for participants ahead of the competitions, which is included in the entry price. Plus, lunch has traditionally been arranged throughout the festival at local pubs so that ‘everyone can get together over a drink and some food to discuss the morning’s happenings’.
The organisers say: “Participants will fish from the shoreline, using the many beaches and rocky areas where sport is to be found, using your your fishing skills and watercraft. The fish being returned unhurt to the water with catch and release. A full social programme is included and there are some superb prizes on offer.” The organisers add that ‘accommodation is available to suit all budgets’.
The 2024 festival is expected to feature a variety of training clinics. There will also be detailed local information, available only to festival participants, of the best local marks and how these vary with tide and wind conditions.
Of course, the competition adds an extra edge to already one of the UK’s best fly fishing festivals 2024 but really it’s all about having a good time with a good bunch of people who hail from far and wide. Alongside all sorts of social events in local pubs, this festival is worth joining if you’re a keen fly fisher or, at least, want to be one, if it floats your… damn! Almost made it too.