Sandown student named Wightlink’s Most Responsible Angler 2025

Thirteen-year-old Sadie Barker has been named the first female winner of the annual Wightlink Award for Most Responsible Angler.

Sadie, a student at The Bay School in Sandown, was chosen as winner from 35 young anglers who took part in this year’s Vectis Boating and Fishing Club Fishing Frenzy on Ryde Pier.

She follows in the footsteps of her older brother Hudson who won the award three years ago.

Wightlink, who allow free use of Ryde Pier for the Fishing Frenzy, introduced the annual award to recognise not necessarily the most accomplished angler but the one who displayed most environmental awareness during the contest.

Colin Webb, of Vectis Boating and Fishing Club, said: “Over the last 25 years we have been teaching not only how to catch fish, but how to respect them and take good care of them.

“Sadie is a natural at this and takes her time unhooking fish and being super careful from the time of catching them to the point of release. She embraces the nature of the event, which is to have fun, learn and respect nature.”

Over four weeks throughout the summer, a total of 35 juniors took part with nearly all catching fish. First place overall went to Teyha Lawson with 1,747 pts, second place went to club junior Anabelle Way with 894 and third was four-year-old Piper Owen with 778.

Heaviest fish went to Toby Pitman for a 300-gram bass.

Colin added: “So many children have developed their skills this year, which is very pleasing to see. “The event continues to flourish year on year, with more involvement with schools now.” Colin said: “Drew at Ryde Bait and Tackle Shop yet again helped massively with the prizes and there was also a kind donation from Rod at West Wight Angling. With the support of Wightlink, the frenzy has become an event that is so well supported by the community.”

Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s Junior Fishing Frenzy and a special mention to Sadie. Wightlink is proud to support this much-loved event, which gives young people the chance to develop their angling skills and build confidence through friendly competition.

“We’re pleased to provide access to Ryde Pier and help make events like this possible for the Island’s young anglers.”