Background
Sea angling is a very popular team or individual sport where participants catch sea fish by rod and line. The winner is the team or person who catches the best fish or attains the most points for catching fish. It is also a recreational activity, acknowledged as having therapeutic qualities.

History
Sea angling although practised throughout history has developed over the last 100 years into a serious and highly competitive sport which sees individuals and teams travelling all over the UK and around the world to compete. It is one of the largest participation sports.

The NFSA, founded in 1904, to formalise and represent sea anglers is recognised by Government and Sport England, within which are over 37000 members whose local interests are catered for by Divisions who organise leagues and regional competitions.

Facilities & Equipment required
Sea angling can be enjoyed anywhere in the sea, provided local bye-laws are observed, and in the United Kingdom there is no requirement for a license to fish. Sea anglers must observe the European minimum sizes for retaining, and some protected species must  not be targeted. The NFSA always recommend that junior anglers are accompanied by an adult, and that anglers should not fish alone in isolated spots and always inform someone where they are fishing and when they are expected to return. Beginners can take up the sport with minimal equipment, which is relatively inexpensive, progressing to more expensive equipment as skill levels increase. All equipment can be purchased from dedicated tackle shops that provide valuable assistance and advice.

Benefits of Participation
Sea angling is a healthy outdoor sport that can be enjoyed at all levels, club, divisional or national, and by those who enjoy the relaxing solitude, which the sport can also provide. It is an equal opportunities sport available to all and practised by all ages and levels of ability.

Variations
The sport has three disciplines, angling from boat, angling from shore and casting with sea leads, which although part of sea angling is a non fishing activity, and all these are practised at club, national and international level with Home Nations, European and World Championships for each. There are ladies and junior categories, 16 years at national level and 18 years at international level.