Fishing – challenges ahead for Scottish sea anglers

The Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers (SFSA) has to survive on individual annual memberships and fees from clubs as sportscotland have withdrawn funding, president Mike Horn has confirmed.

Kirkcaldy-based Horn (pictured) said the organisation, which is now in lockdown because of COVID-19, must now manage their income carefully.

Another challenge has been the retiral of Kirkcaldy angler Ian Napier as secretary and SFSA president Horn admitted his departure has left a “massive” hole.

Three new members have, however, been elected, Mike Kyle from Dalkeith and Horn’s son, Chris, also from Kirkcaldy, plus Alasdair Campbell from Lanark, bringing, said Horn, enthusiasm and a social media skill set to the board.

He said: “We face challenges both financially and in personnel, however the executive have been working hard in the background to keep the federation in a good position.”

Before the world-wide pandemic struck, the federation had run competitions, attended international events and organised training.

He added: “There is much more we would like and need to do and our objective is to improve, promote and protect our sport. For example, I would like to see the federation become even more active on environmental issues and grass roots development.”

And the president, who is a keen competition angler, reminded fishermen that members enjoy personal indemnity insurance cover in case an accident happens.

Individual memberships are £20 for seniors, £22 for families and £2 for juniors and club membership fees are £50 per club.