The Professional Boatman’s Association (PBA) proudly represents charter fishing boat operators throughout the United Kingdom, providing a collective voice for businesses that rely on continued access to productive fishing grounds, ports, harbours and coastal waters.
Charter fishing plays a vital role in the UK’s coastal economy, supporting tourism, local businesses and recreational angling opportunities. Professional charter skippers possess extensive knowledge of local waters, fish stocks, weather conditions and marine safety, making them important stakeholders in discussions surrounding the management of UK waterways and coastal environments.
The PBA works to ensure that charter fishing operators are represented during consultations, policy discussions and regulatory reviews that may affect their businesses and customers.
The Professional Boatman’s Association represents some of the most experienced charter fishing boat operators in the United Kingdom. Our members operate professionally maintained vessels from ports around the UK coastline, providing sea fishing trips, offshore angling experiences and specialist charter services. PBA members are committed to safety, professionalism and compliance with maritime regulations, giving anglers confidence when choosing a charter fishing operator. Whether you are looking for deep-sea fishing, wreck fishing, reef fishing or coastal angling trips, our members offer a wide range of fishing experiences around the British Isles. Browse our charter fishing boats below and discover professional operators dedicated to delivering safe and enjoyable days at sea.
Supporting the Charter Fishing Sector
The Association engages with stakeholders and decision-makers to understand proposed changes and communicate the potential impacts on commercial charter fishing operations.
Areas of interest include:
- Access to fishing grounds
- Harbour and port developments
- Marine conservation zones
- Environmental regulations
- Navigation restrictions
- Commercial licensing requirements
- Maritime safety initiatives
- Coastal infrastructure projects
- PBA’s Technical Working Group works directly with the Maritime Coastguard Agency
- Species Representatives representing: Bass, Pollack, Sharks and Rays
A Voice for Professional Skippers
Before engaging in discussions or responding to consultations, the PBA actively gathers feedback from members operating within the charter fishing sector. This ensures that real-world experience and practical knowledge are reflected in the Association’s responses.
By working together, charter fishing operators can strengthen their collective voice and help shape the future of recreational sea angling and commercial charter operations throughout the UK.
Join the PBA
If you operate a professional charter fishing vessel, membership of the Professional Boatman’s Association provides an opportunity to contribute to industry discussions, stay informed and support the future of the sector.