Latest stats show surge in fishing licence sales

The latest stats from The Environment Agency show a surge in fishing licence sales. The rise follows on from the government lifting restrictions on outdoor activities.

The figures show that between 13 May 2020, when the restrictions were lifted, and 9 June 2020 over 335,000 licences were sold compared to 142,000 licences sold from the start of the year to end of March 2020, a rise of over 230% in less than two months. This also represents a rise of over 200,000 more than the same period last year.

In England and Wales you need a fishing licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line. Anglers found fishing without a licence can face fines of up to £2,500.

The Environment Agency and the sport's governing body, the Angling Trust, believe the rise is due to existing anglers embracing the opportunity to start fishing again, together with those taking up the sport for the first time or returning to the sport after a long absence – prompted by the pursuit of new hobbies during lockdown.

Fishing licence income is vital to the work of the Environment Agency to maintain, improve and develop fisheries.

The rise in interest in fishing comes at a prime time for anglers with the end of the close season for coarse fishing on rivers just around the corner. The annual close season, which runs from the 15 March until 15 June helps to protect coarse fish stocks across England during spawning.

Charles Jardine of the Countryside Alliance said: "The Countryside Alliance is delighted that ministers listened to the recommendations put forward in the recent 'When We Fish Again' report, to which I was very pleased to give comment. With time away from the water, it's delightful to learn that many former anglers are coming back in droves and it's very exciting that there are newcomers trying fishing out for the first time."

He added: "The Angling Trust crafted a compelling case for consideration for the resumption of fishing after the 7th May. It made clear the mental health aspects and well-being that fishing, be it Shoreline, Riverbank or Lakeshore, can bring during these testing times. Long may our sport continue for years to come!"

Dr Graeme Storey, Environment Agency Acting Deputy Director for Fisheries and the Natural Environment, said: "Since the lifting of restrictions on recreational angling it has been encouraging to see not only anglers returning to the sport, but also people trying fishing for the first time. Responsible fishing is an excellent way to engage with nature and enjoy being outdoors, which in turn can provide positive health and welfare benefits. As a consequence of the revenue generated through the sale of rod licences, anglers are at the heart of protecting and improving the very things they care about."

The Countryside Alliance would like to remind anglers to continue following the Government guidance in place, limiting contact with other people while maintaining a distance of 2m from other anglers whilst fishing.

You can read more about this guidance via our Covid-19 hub, here.