The Angling Trust has announced an exciting new partnership with renowned angling company Sensas. The partnership will see them co-organise the Angling Trust Sensas International Challenge, which will start in 2025. This prestigious teams-of-five competition is the UK’s leading event adhering to international fishing rules and attracts the top British match teams each year.
The competition sees over 30 teams compete in two, four-hour matches annually, with the victors earning a spot in the Sensas Challenge International final held in France. Thanks to this new partnership, the event will also connect to the sport’s global governing body, making the top English team eligible for the FIPS World Club Float Championship. This spot is in addition to the place already secured by the winners of the Division 1 National Championships. If a team wins both events, the runner-up in the Division 1 National will receive the second invite.
This collaboration marks a milestone in the 35-year relationship between Sensas and Team England, who have long supported international coarse fishing squads. Steve Fitzpatrick, Head of Competitions at the Angling Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
The Sensas Challenge has always brought an international flair to UK match fishing. Partnering with Sensas was a natural choice, enhancing an existing event without adding to our packed season.
Mark Downes, head of Sensas UK, shared Fitzpatrick’s optimism, noting that the partnership will strengthen the competition and bolster the UK’s international fishing credentials.
The Sensas Challenge, the UK’s only true international-based FIPS rules event, has been a highlight of the match fishing calendar for over 25 years. With the Angling Trust on board, the event will only improve, providing invaluable experience to teams qualifying for the World Club Championships.
The Angling Trust Sensas International Challenge is open to all member clubs. Following a vote from team captains at the end of 2024’s event, it will return to its traditional venue, the Gloucester Canal, in early 2025.
Detailed dates, sections, and timings will be announced soon on the Angling Trust website.