The long established event attracts well over 3250 entries from anglers, drawn from all over the UK to some of the finest fishing in the country. While the sheltered waters of Torbay are a focus of the Festival, the actual fishing limits extend many miles in each direction to allow anglers to fish their favourite marks. The Eastward limit is Pinhay Bay at Beer and the Western limit is Bolthead at the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary. This means that you can fish the tidal estuaries of the rivers Exe, Teign, Dart and Kingsbridge. Boats fishing out of ports within this area can also fish the Festival. The event covers the prime fishing grounds in the South West and the specimens landed each year are exceptional.
Festival trophies have been built up over many years and make a glittering show at the presentation night along with the many thousands of pounds of tackle and other prizes. Anglers, of course, target the main prizes of £650.00 cash, rod and reel and the Champions smock for the overall winning fish and £325.00 plus reel for each of the other three main sections.
It is not just the superb fishing which attracts anglers to the Torbay Sea Angling Festival every year. Torbay is the top holiday destination and many families accompany anglers to the resort to persue their own fun. Despite the tough competition it has always been a friendly competition and the angling club houses at Brixham and Paignton always look forward to welcoming anglers as guests during the nine day festival to hear the inevitable tales of the ones that got away!