Fishing Licence Guide for Anglers – 2022

What is a Fishing Rod Licence and when do I need one?

A rod licence allows you to legally use a fishing rod or pole in the United Kingdom. If you are in other countries in Europ, more information  can be found at Fishinglicense.eu.

If you've been fishing for a while, you'll know that annual licences can now be purchased for any date between April 1 and March 31, unlike prior years when they were only valid from April 1 to March 31.

To fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt, or eel with a rod and line in England (excluding the River Tweed), Wales, or the Border Esk region of Scotland, you'll need a rod fishing licence.

If you don't have your rod fishing licence with you when you go fishing, you could be prosecuted.

Anglers who fish without a rod licence face fines of up to £2,500, so it's well worth the money.

If you’re wondering where all the money goes from the sale of rod licences, it is reinvested back into angling, so you’re also doing your bit to help the sport you love.

Fishing Rod Licence types

There are many more possibilities than just an annual rod licence; there are 1-day and 8-day licences available for people who only fish during certain seasons. You must also keep track of how many rods you use and the type of fishing you do, such as carp, coarse, or salmon.

In the United Kingdom, there are two categories of rod licences:

1. Trout, coarse fish, and eel licences.

2. Permit to fish for salmon and sea trout

With the proper rod licence, you can enjoy freshwater fishing, sea fishing, so long as there are non-migratory trout.

You should also consider the sort fishing licence you have, as this will determine where and how many rods you can use.

You can fish for trout, coarse fish, and eels with the Trout, Coarse, and Eel License.

Non-migratory trout in rivers, streams, drains, and canals require only one rod.

Non-migratory trout can be caught with up to two rods in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds.

If the one and rod selections aren't enough, you may get a 12-month licence that allows you to utilise three freshwater rods. This licence covers the same species as the original two-rod licence, but it eliminates the need to purchase two, two-rod licences for anglers who want to fish with three rods. It's crucial to keep in mind that the requirements for trout also apply to this licence.

If you buy a salmon and sea trout licence, you must utilise it in one of three ways.

• In rivers, streams, and canals, fish for salmon, sea trout, and non-migratory trout using a single rod.

• In reservoirs, lakes, and ponds, up to two rods can be used to catch salmon, sea trout, and non-migratory trout.

• Freshwater fishing with up to three rods

How much does a rod licence cost?

Licences have remained the same price since 2020, with the Environment Agency fixing the price for 2022 for the sixth year in a row.  The Environment Agency continues to provide excellent value for money, with an annual licence costing only £30. EA wants to encourage as many people as possible to participate in the extremely gratifying activity of fishing by keeping prices low.

The cost of a rod licence is determined by the type of fish you're targeting and the quantity of rods you'll be using.

• Annual coarse fishing licences for two rods are £30, three rods £45, and concessionary £20/£30 accordingly.

• Juniors are free, but those aged 13 to 16 must register online.

• The cheapest rod licence is a one-day coarse permission for £6, although a short-term value of £12 for eight days is better.

• The cost of a salmon licence is £82 per year, £12 per day, or £27 for an eight-day period.

• You can get 1/3 off the 12-month pricing if you are over 65 or have a blue badge.

Prices correct as at Feb 2022

Junior anglers go FREE!

If you wish to introduce a youngster to the sport, the good news is that children under the age of 13 do not require a licence, and youngsters from 13 to 16 receive a free licence! Children aged 13 to 16 receive a free UK fishing licence as of April 1, 2017. Make sure you register your youngster between the ages of 13 and 16 for a Junior's Fishing Licence if you wish to take them fishing.

The Environment Agency wants to encourage juniors to get engaged in fishing, in the hopes of keeping their enthusiasm in the sport alive.

NOTE: Young children under the age of 13 do not require a fishing licence; however, the person supervising them must have the proper permit to take hold of the rod or assist the child in fishing.

In addition to the fact that fishing licences are free for 13 to 16-year-olds and are not required for children under the age of 13, the Angling Trust and other angling organisations and charities host a variety of activities to encourage juniors to take up fishing.

Where do I buy my rod licence?

There are three ways to get a fishing rod licence:

• From your neighbourhood Post Office. Please note that The Post Office no longer offers Rod Fishing licences on behalf of the Environment Agency on its website.

• From the Environment Agency website at .GOV.UK.

• By calling the Environment Agency's fishing licence department at 0344 800 538.

Some rods are not affected by licencing limits

Not all rods are required to adhere to rod licence restrictions. Unless they have hooks attached, spod rods (used to drive bait into water) and marker rods (used to designate outlines) are not affected by licencing limits.

If you are have any questions not covered in this guide, you may find the answer you need using following links.

Environment Agency  https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences

Fishing Events https://www.getfishing.org.uk/

Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre (general enquiries) on 03708 506 506

Environment Agency Fishing Licence Service on 0344 800 5386