The South Coast Bass Lure Open: Fishing, Community, and Mental Health Awareness
The South Coast Bass Lure Open has fast become one of the standout fixtures on the UK angling calendar. Each year, it draws lure anglers from across the country to the south coast for a weekend of competition, camaraderie, and conversation.
What sets this event apart is its unique atmosphere. While trophies and personal bests are celebrated, the competition’s true strength lies in its inclusive, community-driven spirit. The Open is as much about making connections and supporting one another as it is about fishing success.
More Than Just Fishing: Why Andy’s Man Club Matters
Central to the event’s identity is its partnership with Andy’s Man Club, a nationwide men’s mental health support organisation. Through free peer-to-peer groups, Andy’s Man Club provides safe spaces where men can talk openly, break down stigma, and find support during tough times.
For the organisers, supporting this charity is personal. Fishing has always been more than a sport. It is a space where people naturally open up, share experiences, and watch out for each other. That same ethos is at the core of Andy’s Man Club. Aligning with them felt like the most natural fit possible.
By linking the competition to this cause, the Open does more than raise funds. It starts conversations. Every angler who leaves with a memory of the event also leaves with a greater awareness of men’s mental health and the importance of talking.
A Competition That Keeps Growing
When the South Coast Bass Lure Open began, it was a small gathering of passionate anglers. Over the years, it has steadily grown in numbers, scale, and energy. Today, it fills out the presentation venue, buzzing with excitement from beginning to end.
The weekend atmosphere is often described as festival-like. From sign-on Friday morning through to the lively prize-giving on Sunday, there is a constant sense of anticipation. Anglers trade tips, showcase catches, and celebrate each other’s achievements.
One of the most memorable highlights this year was watching a first-time participant land their personal best bass. The spontaneous cheer that erupted from the crowd captured what makes this competition so special. Every milestone matters, and every success is shared.
And of course, the biggest bass landed this year measured an impressive 66cm, which certainly added to the excitement and gave everyone something to talk about.
Sponsorship and Collaboration: The Role of hotline™
The Open simply would not be possible without its network of sponsors and supporters. This year, hotline™ joined as a key partner, bringing creativity and practicality to the event through customised tote bags.
These were not just any giveaway items. The tote bags added value on multiple levels:
• Practicality – helping anglers carry event packs, gear, and essentials throughout the competition.
• Professionalism – enhancing the registration process and giving participants a sense of being part of something polished and well-organised.
• Longevity – becoming keepsakes that anglers continue to use daily, serving as lasting reminders of the event.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants highlighting how much they appreciated the thoughtful addition. Some even messaged afterwards to say they were still using their bags long after the competition.
Community Support: Big Brands and Local Heroes
In addition to hotline™, the Open enjoys support from household names such as YETI and FISHUS, as well as numerous local businesses. Each plays a vital role:
• Big brands bring visibility, credibility, and recognition to the competition.
• Local businesses keep the grassroots, community-driven feel alive.
It is the combination of both that makes the event unique. Together, they help ensure the Open has the resources to grow while staying true to its inclusive and supportive roots.
The Lasting Impact of the Event
This year’s event was not just about the excitement of the catches. It was about making a difference. Together, we raised £1,624.98 for Andy’s Man Club, a cause that means so much to the organisers, the participants, and the wider community.
For organisers, the impact of the Open goes far beyond one weekend. The hope is twofold:
• For Andy’s Man Club: that more men feel encouraged to attend meetings, find support, and know they are not alone.
• For participants: that the event builds lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and the sense of being part of something bigger than a competition.
Time and again, stories from the weekend reinforce this vision. Whether it is a cheer for a first-time PB, conversations between strangers that turn into friendships, or the quiet pride of raising funds for a cause that saves lives, the Open is about creating experiences that last.
A Word on Sponsorship
For businesses considering event sponsorship, the South Coast Bass Lure Open offers a powerful opportunity. As the organisers put it:
“If you are considering sponsorship with hotline™, do it. Their creativity, attention to detail, and collaborative approach added genuine value, not just for us, but for every participant. It is a chance to be part of something meaningful while making a tangible difference.”
Final Thoughts
The South Coast Bass Lure Open is proof that a fishing competition can be so much more than casting lines and tallying catches. It is a celebration of community, conversation, and collaboration, with a powerful impact that stretches far beyond the water’s edge.
With each passing year, the event grows stronger, uniting anglers, raising awareness, and giving people the courage to talk about mental health.
Because at its heart, the Open is not just about bass fishing. It is about bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and proving that fishing, friendship, and support can change lives.