FISHINGmagic closure threat

One of the most popular fishing websites faces closure unless a buyer can be found.

The future of FISHINGmagic, which has more than 53,000 members, has been uncertain since editor Graham Marsden retired two months ago.

Today he told the site's forums: "Since I retired, the management at Magicalia have been trying their very best to accommodate FishingMagic in the company’s long term plans.

"We launched the site together 10 years ago and would love dearly to carry it on but sadly we cannot find a way to continue publishing FM.

"So it is with much regret from me and all at Magicalia that I have to announce that the site will close on Friday, December 19, unless a new owner is found."

Site owner Magicalia publishes a series of leading websites covering outdoor pursuits like cycling and canoeing.

Potential buyers are being urged to contact the company to discuss the site's future under new ownership.

Marsden offered members a ray of hope, adding: "FishingMagic is one of the best, if not the best, fishing websites in the UK with over 100,000 users every month and more than 50,000 members.

"It’s a very strong site and I know there are people interested in taking it on so, fingers crossed, FishingMagic may be back."