ANGLING TRUST TAKES OVER PENN SEA LEAGUE

The Angling Trust Competitions team has agreed a deal to take over the running of one of sea fishing’s most prestigious events – the Penn Sea League.

Established in 1999 by Sea Angler magazine, the competition is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2024 and remains the ‘must-win’ competition for thousands of shore-based match anglers every year.

Points are awarded based on the number of anglers fishing an open match registered for the Penn Sea League and go to the top three, five, or 10 anglers, zone winners and heaviest fish in registered open events held throughout the UK.

League scoring runs from January to December each year and the top 45 best point scorers from the season are invited to go head-to-head in a one-off grand final match hosted the following season.

Household names including Ian Golds, Joe Arch, Alan Price, Saul Page, and George Smith all have their names etched on the famous trophy as the winners of the league’s grand final.

Tackle giant Penn has been there form the start, ensuring there are plenty of prizes for monthly point scorers and the finalists, and has agreed to continue their support in 2024 and beyond.

“We are proud of our England teams and Talent Pathways for sea anglers but haven’t been in a position to offer a suitable domestic calendar of events for shore anglers,” said AT Head of Competitions Steve Fitzpatrick. “The ownership of the Penn Sea League is the first of what will hopefully be many more marine competitions in the near future and shows the Angling Trust’s passion and commitment for growing participation of saltwater match fishing.

“As the former Editor-in-Chief of Sea Angler Magazine I know of the enjoyment the Penn Sea League brings to anglers all across the country, and the work needed to ensure it runs smoothly.

“I’d like to thank Kelsey Media for their stewardship of the competition in recent seasons and for this opportunity for the Angling Trust to take on an event of such heritage. Special thanks go to Penn for their support, and of course the passionate organisers and anglers who have made the competition what it is over the past two and a half decades.”

The 2023 point-scoring season drew to a close at the end of December and the Angling Trust will take charge of running the final in April 2024 alongside current Penn Sea League co-ordinator and England team manager Ian Bowell. Sea Angler Magazine will publish the final league table for 2023 in their February 4 issue and will continue to provide media support during 2024.

The Grand Final 2023 is being arranged to take place in April and more details will be announced soon.

REGISTER NOW: Anglers who wish to take part in the competition from January 1, 2024, onwards will need to register with the Angling Trust here… PENN SEA LEAGUE REGISTRATION

The Penn Sea League competition is open to ALL ANGLERS and membership of the Angling Trust is not required to register.