A short introduction to EFSA
The European Federation of Sea Anglers was formed in 1961 by a group of International anglers who were taking part in a fishing festival being held out of Looe in England. Many of these anglers had fished together for a number of years and seven nations were represented in this formative group:
England, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Scotland.
Within six months of it’s formation no less than 16 countries were represented in the Federation, either by formation of member sections or affiliation of existing clubs.
The objects of the Federation, as laid down at the time of it’s formation and still in force today, are to promote the sport of sea angling and maintain the list of European Sea Fish Records, and to keep a watching brief on all commercial fishing activities in European waters.
One of our rules, which we are proud of because it was ahead of its time when promulgated in 1961, and which we still enforce, is that the Federation shall have no restrictions or limitations based on race, colour or creed.
One of the functions of the Federation is to stage the European Sea Angling Championships. These championships have been held annually since 1962 and are held in a different country each year. Host countries have included Gibraltar, Scotland, Iceland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, The Netherlands, Ireland and Wales. In addition to the European Championships, European Line Class, Tope, and Cod events are held each year, with the more recent addition of Game and Shore Championships.
The Federation is governed by a Standing Committee which consists of the office bearers of the main body together with two delegates from each of the member countries. Meetings are held two times a year in various centres in Europe.
There are at present twenty three countries in membership of the Federation and the membership, both individual members and affiliated club members now total many thousands, and is still expanding.