CAST

Introduction to the Orvis Fly Fishing Festival

The last weekend in August gave us a glimmer that Summer is still here. The sun was shining, and the Solent was buzzing with excitement as it played host to a thrilling three-day Orvis Saltwater Fly-Fishing Festival, for their fifth year running.

The competition drew in over 100 passionate anglers from all corners of the country and some further afield. This international festival handed out numerous prizes, such as the longest bass, longest mullet and the greatest number of different species landed. Alongside the eager anglers the event was joined by Georgie, Christina, Sam, Kristy and Aimee, all dedicated researchers of the CAST team from Portsmouth University, on a mission to gather vital data from the recreational anglers. 

The CAST team’s involvement and objectives

After a full day of casting lines and reeling in catches the anglers of this catch and release Saltwater fly-fishing event headed to either the Langstone Quays Hotel, on Hayling Island, or the beach by Hayling Island ferry to officially register their days’ successes. Here the CAST team had stations set up, ready to welcome back the anglers and to collect the data from the competition’s participants. 

Distribution of species

According to the event rules, any landed fish had to be carefully placed on a measuring board, photographed and then verified by a group of experts. The CAST team’s mission was to work closely with the anglers throughout the event, gathering not only photographs but also any videos and approximate locations of where their catches were made. This data can then be used to identify the habitat type where the fish species were caught, forming part of ongoing research efforts. 

The data collected over the three days is key to understanding the distribution and preferred habitats of various fish species, including bass which is one of  CAST’s five target species. The CAST team is also interested in data for other species, not just the target species, as this could help us to understand potential prey or competitors of our target species. 

Raising awareness of working together

Another major objective of CAST’s involvement at the festival was to raise awareness about the importance of data contribution from anglers.  The festival’s success was evident from the enthusiasm and willingness of anglers contributing to the project by submitting photos.

“Speaking with many of the anglers and participants from the festival it was clear they have a deep passion for fishing highlighting just how crucial it is for scientists and anglers to work together” – Aimee – Jane Lowles

So, as lines were cast and reels spun, the anglers helped contribute to a collective effort to enhance our understanding of marine life and the habitats they depend on. 

CAST in the media

Christina was interviewed by Shan at That’s TV Solent – an excellent opportunity to share information about our project and raise the exposure of our work

If you’d like to watch the interview on X, please click here:

Acknowledgements

The CAST team would like to thank the anglers for their contribution to our data collection and a special thank you to the Orvis organisers and Claire and the Zambuni Consulting team for inviting us along and allowing us to be part of the festival. 

For future information on the Orvis Saltwater fly fishing festival check out their website by clicking the link below

Now time to analyse all the data!!  

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