Fishing Rod Licence

Who needs a fishing rod licence?

Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England (except the River Tweed), Wales or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence.

How long is a fishing rod licence valid for?

Rod licences are valid for 1 day, 8 days and 12 months depending when it is bought.
A Full Season rod licence is valid for 12 months from 1st April to 31st March.
A 1 day rod licence is valid for 24 consecutive hours
An 8 day rod licence is valid for 192 consecutive hours from the start time and date

How to purchase your rod licence.

Rod licences are available from Post Office outlets throughout England and Wales, online, by direct debit and over the telephone on 0844 800 5386. The phone line is open from 8.30am to 8.00pm daily from March to September and 8.30am to 6.00pm from October to February.

How much does a fishing rod licence cost?

Prices for 2009/10 Rod Licences - valid from 1st April 2009 to 31st March 2010

Category

Non-migratory trout, char, freshwater fish (coarse fish)

and eels

Salmon and migratory trout (sea trout)., non-migratory trout, char, freshwater fish (coarse fish) and eels

Full season
expires 31st March 2011

£27.00

£72.00

Junior Concession

A salmon and sea trout licence covers you to fish for non-migratory trout and coarse fish as well.

Failure to have a licence is an offence.

Remember, if you are fishing with 3 or 4 rods then you will need to purchase a second licence.

Please visit  www.environment-agency.gov.uk  for price verification

Concessionary licences

• junior concession is available to anglers aged 16 years or  under

• senior concession is available to anglers aged 65 years and over

• disabled concession is available to anglers in receipt of a Blue Badge or Disability Living Allowance. You will need to provide your Blue Badge Number or National Insurance Number when buying your licence

Important information

• Full and concessionary rod licences expire on 31 March each year

• 1 day rod licence is valid for 24 consecutive hours

• 8 day rod licence is valid for 192 consecutive hours from the start time and date

• Anglers under the age of 12 do not need a rod licence to go fishing BUT **

**  I received this question from a viewer to my site!

Q. My 6 year old wants to go fishing, Will I need a rod licence to take him and teach him.

A. Thanks for your email. A very good question.

I have made enquiries with the Environment Agency regards this and the answer is as follows.

Quote: "Your son does not need to have a rod licence as he is under 12 years old.
If your holding the rod, even if your holding the rod with your son, and the line goes into the water then technically you are fishing and need a rod licence".

I'm sorry, but it looks like you need to buy a licence or maybe get another angler to teach him.

Personally I think this is a ridiculous law and should be revised. jim (webmaster)

more questions and answers here Fishing Questions

Be warned!

If you fish without a rod licence you are cheating other anglers, it is an offence to fish for freshwater fish and eels without a valid rod licence and if you are caught you may be fined up to £2,500.

The money raised through rod licence sales is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers

Click to buy your fishing rod licence online  www.environment-agency.gov.uk  and for rod licence price verification