Shark Angling

Shark Angling Club of Great Britain (SACGB) is a fishing club based in Looe, Cornwall. Established on January 4th, 1953, the club's first General Meeting was held on January 25th at the Hannafore Point Hotel in Looe. The hotel served as the club's headquarters and was allowed to fly the club burgee, symbolising its association with the club. During the meeting, the Chairman, Brigadier J A L Caunter, announced the presentation of a trophy to the club by Mr F A Mitchell-Hedges.

This trophy, named the Mitchell-Hedges Shark Trophy, is still competed for annually by the club members.

The club's first recorded shark, a 104lb Blue Shark caught by Mrs D Case, was documented in the club minutes. In the subsequent year, the club accepted two additional trophies: the Daphne Case Trophy for the heaviest Blue Shark caught by a member residing in Looe, and the R C Roberts Trophy for the heaviest qualifying shark. These trophies, along with many others, are contested every year by club members.

Membership to the club is open to individuals who catch and release a shark unaided while fishing from a port in the UK. Specific details regarding qualification and membership can be found in the club's membership section.

The primary objectives of the club are: to promote the sport of shark angling in Great Britain and provide members with a recognised organisation for the sport, to adhere to a strict catch and release policy and adopt best practises in the handling and conservation of all sharks, to maintain and publish records and other relevant data for sharks caught and released known to the club, to administer challenge trophies and other awards, and to organise social events and occasions for members.

For those interested in shark fishing, the SACGB previously had a booking office in Looe where trips could be arranged. However, this service is no longer available. Shark skippers across the UK manage bookings directly through telephone or through their website and social media pages. Contact details for some sharking skippers can be found on the club's “Book a Day Shark Fishing” webpage.

To stay updated with the latest news and announcements from the SACGB, individuals can follow and engage with the club's Facebook page. Contact information for the club is as follows: Shark Angling Club of Great Britain, c/o Looe Social Club, Mayoralty House, The Quay West, Looe, PL13 2BU. Email: sacgb1953@gmail. Com.

Tel: 07572 976680.