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https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2014/07/08/dont-get-caught-get-hooked/

Don't get caught, get hooked!

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity
Rod licences are an essential part of angling. It's the Environment Agency's role to enforce rod licences in England.
Rod licences are an essential part of angling. It's the Environment Agency's role to enforce rod licences in England.

I was one of the many Environment Agency fisheries officers out in force this spring checking fishing rod licences. It’s a necessary part of the job – we don’t like spoiling someone’s day out, but if you go fishing you need a licence - it’s the law!

More importantly, all the money we get from licence sales, £23 million last year, is ploughed back into work that protects and improve fisheries. So buying a licence is a good investment for angling and the environment.

Each year around the start of the season, we carry out several rod licence blitzes, when we try to visit as many rivers, lakes and canals as we can. Each fisheries officer will use their local knowledge to visit the fisheries that some anglers may think are ‘off the beaten track’. As with angling, targeting these ‘backwaters’ can often net us a good ‘catch’.

My patch is Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. Over the 2 May Bank Holidays alone we visited more than 200 fisheries. Licensed anglers were only too pleased to see us out on the banks, catching those who were intent on cheating others.

We were indeed kept busy: out of the 2445 anglers we checked across the North West, 244 thought they could get away without having a licence!

Across England, we checked 13,000 anglers and 965 were fishing illegally.

If an angler can’t produce a licence or our database shows they don't have one, we will issue them with a ticket, and a court summons usually follows.

Some unlicensed anglers will try to make a quick getaway but they don’t get very far. We work in teams, moving along the bank from opposite directions,to catch up with anyone trying to evade us. Sometimes they try to palm us off with false names and addresses, but we verify identities and car number plates on the Police National Computer.

Anglers go fishing to enjoy themselves, and it is a very enjoyable past time. So surely sitting there looking over your shoulder, wondering whether you’ll asked for your licence spoils it, especially when a licence is only £27 for a year!

Some anglers we met confessed that they had heard we were about and didn’t want to risk it, so had bought a licence, a wise move! You can even buy online so there’s really no excuse to not having one.

We want everyone to go fishing; it’s a great sport and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Anglers contribute over £23 million to work to protect and improve fisheries, so buying a rod licence isn’t just the law, it’s great for the sport and the environment too!

Buy your rod licence online today here

Visit the Environment Agency website for more information

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126 comments

  1. Comment by Gary Hough posted on

    Don't always take wallet with me fish Do they check data at time of stopping ??

    Reply
    • Replies to Gary Hough>

      Comment by Environment Agency posted on

      Hello,

      Thank you for getting in touch.

      All anglers must carry their rod licence with them when going fishing.

      Anyone who does not received their licence, for up to 28 days after purchase, can use:
      • a confirmation email
      • a receipt
      • a note of the licence number

      Only official Post Office receipts and email confirmations can be used.

      Enforcement Officers will conduct checks to confirm if licences are valid and will issue offence report forms to any anglers that they suspect of committing offences. This requirement is within the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

      Only Environment Agency bailiffs and police officers have the power to ask anglers to produce your licence. This is stated in section 35 of the Act. Anglers cannot request for another angler to produce their rod licence. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 removed this power.

      With regards to privately owned fisheries and angling clubs. Some have their own bailiffs or staff who check that anglers using their waters are allowed to do so. These private bailiffs are able to enforce their fishery or club rules. If the rules specify that anglers must show proof of rod licence before they can fish, the fishery or club is within their rights to refuse entrance to anglers who can't.

      We trust you find the above information useful.

      Kind regards ^Kathryn

      Reply
      • Replies to Environment Agency>

        Comment by Barry Stevens posted on

        Hi I have not received my license yet and lost my email how do I get a new email to go fishing thank you

        Reply
        • Replies to Barry Stevens>

          Comment by eileenroffe posted on

          Hi Barry - please call 03708 506506 to speak to an advisor. They can confirm your details and send out your licence number confirmation. And order a replacement licence if appropriate - Joz

          Reply
    • Replies to Gary Hough>

      Comment by Environment Agency posted on

      Hi Gary, it is a requirement to have you licence with you when you fish. Our enforcement officers do take details of possible offenders and check up once they return to the office. Cheers. ^Eileen

      Reply
    • Replies to Gary Hough>

      Comment by Dwayne Hards posted on

      how can i get a fishing license i`m 12 and i tried but it said i can`t get 1 till i`m 13 but i would like one now what should i do?

      Reply
      • Replies to Dwayne Hards>

        Comment by eileenroffe posted on

        Hello - you are unable to obtain a licence until you are 13 Dwayne - It used to be 12 but the law changed a couple of years ago. Our system will not allow under 13's to obtain a licence. Enjoy fishing anyway - Eileen

        Reply
    • Replies to Gary Hough>

      Comment by cameron wilson posted on

      hi how can i check if my rod licence is vailed

      Reply
      • Replies to cameron wilson>

        Comment by eileenroffe posted on

        Good morning, the quickest way si to call us on: 03708 506 506 - a few data protection questions will be asked and your licence can be checked. Eileen

        Reply
    • Replies to Gary Hough>

      Comment by Neil posted on

      If a child turns 17 part way through a 1 year licence do they renew when turning 17 or at the end of the current licence period.

      Reply
      • Replies to Neil>

        Comment by eileenroffe posted on

        Good morning, If an angler has a junior licence at the age of 16 it will remain valid until it expires, even if they turn 17 during this time. ^Eileen

        Reply
  2. Comment by Tony posted on

    Why are the prosecutions for those not having a licence not shown on the E.A. web site?

    Reply
  3. Comment by Ray Wilson posted on

    I buy a license under protest!
    Why is it we are the only sport that has to pay a tax to the government every time we want to partake in our chosen sport, even when we pay the event owner to use his private facility. The licence fee does not go back to these people so why is it not a requirement only for river fishing. Why also is it that other sports on the river can cause as much damage as they want without a fee. The fishermen foot the bill!
    This a very unfair TAX that applies to only one sport.

    Reply
    • Replies to Ray Wilson>

      Comment by Environment Agency posted on

      Dear Ray

      Thank you for your blog regarding the need to pay for a licence .

      Other sports/pastimes do indeed pay for the use of Rivers example Boat registrations .

      The Rod licence sales are the main source of income for our fisheries work. All of the money we receive through rod licensing goes towards this. We do have to prioritize our work and this has to be approved, as this is a vast area to fund and we have limited funding in these times of austerity.

      The main work areas are:
      • regulation (rod licence sales, enforcement and disease control)
      • fisheries monitoring
      • stocking and improvements (such as habitat improvements, fish passes and fisheries development)
      • fish rescues
      • promotion and advice

      Rod licence income is vital for us to continue maintaining fisheries.

      You can also visit the link below to view an interesting and detailed video on the subject:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayUqySi97FU

      We need our fisherman to continue to purchase their licences and help fund this amazing activity.
      There are some places to fish for free please use the link below to the Angling Trust http://www.anglingtrust.net/page.asp?section=36

      Kind regards

      Margaret

      Reply
  4. Comment by Vernon Parker posted on

    You failed to respond to the above question : why enforce licences on private fisheries which rercieve no help or benefit from licence fees?

    Reply
    • Replies to Vernon Parker>

      Comment by Environment Agency posted on

      Hello Mr Parker,

      Thank you for your blog. All rod licence income is used to fund work of benefit to anglers, including private fisheries. We protect all fisheries through controlling the spread of fish diseases through movement controls and health checks. We are also available for advice on fisheries management and respond to reports of illegal fishing, fish kills and fish theft. Kind regards. ^Eileen

      Reply
      • Replies to Environment Agency>

        Comment by Paul farman posted on

        £30 a year for a sport u love is not much is it???

        Reply
        • Replies to Paul farman>

          Comment by Saul posted on

          It should be free if you put the fish back and Used Barbless Hooks ????

          Reply
        • Replies to Paul farman>

          Comment by Saul posted on

          It should be free if you put the fish back and Used Barbless Hooks ????
          Ok what do you think

          Reply
  5. Comment by mark sedgwick posted on

    Just recently I had planned to go fishing but I didn't have a rod licence so my wife said she would sort one out online for me whilst I went I got to the lake and started setting my rods up waiting for her to contact me to let me know everything was okay to fish , whilst I was waiting somebody from the environment agency turned up to check for my licence I explained to him that I was waiting for confirmation and that my wife was in the process or sorting it out he seemed very helpful but said he had to issue me a ticket for planning to fish without a licence because my rods had been set up , I was never planning to fish without a licence I was waiting for a call before I started fishing , I have now received a letter telling me that I am being charged for this and taken to court , I have searched multiple websites and can find nothing that mentions planning to fish as being an offence , I presented the agency officer with the rod licence details before he had left the fishery and I find this a bit hard to stomach if I'm being honest.

    Reply
    • Replies to mark sedgwick>

      Comment by Environment Agency posted on

      Please call us on 03708 506506 and explain the situation to the advisor, provide the case reference and the officers name (the case officers name will be on the bottom of the letter received). The advisor will transfer you to the enforcement team who will be able to discuss the particular details of the case.
      If there is no name on the letter, any other case officer will be able to help.

      Reply
    • Replies to mark sedgwick>

      Comment by PGHANON posted on

      Not good planning then.
      If you plan to fish in the future at least once per year, then why not sign up and get you licence on line or at a post office, and pay but direct debit if that suits your circumstances, but don't bleat because you did nothing to get your licence before hand. If you haven't got your licence beforehand don't go fishing. A simple matter of priorities.

      Reply
  6. Comment by Allan young posted on

    I know of two rod licence dodgers, i have spoken to them, all they did was laugh, and thought it great not have a rod licence, they have never nor will they buy a rod licence, and think it is fun, to get away with fishing without a rod licence, i tried to explain why they need a rod licence, but the reply was .... off. People like these need stopping, i would love to pass this imformation on to the enviroment agency

    Reply
    • Replies to Allan young>

      Comment by Thomas champion posted on

      Call the police and state code 116/11, it's the police code for poachers and they have to attend !

      Reply
  7. Comment by Scott telford posted on

    How can I get an EA bailiff to come to my local fishing pond in everingham road cantley doncaster to check licenses as I'm sick of people fishing which I know shouldn't be, and they keep taking the fish out to eat. I would like to remain anonymous too.

    Reply
    • Replies to Scott telford>

      Comment by daveferguson posted on

      Hi, you can report instances of illegal fishing in three ways: 1 - contact our incident communication team on 0800 80 70 60. U can remain anonymous, phone 24 hours a day. 2 - contact the local police on 101 and 3 - Report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Thank you in advance. Eileen

      Reply
    • Replies to Scott telford>

      Comment by Thomas champion posted on

      State code 116/11 to police and they have to attend , poachers code!

      Reply
  8. Comment by Brian posted on

    Hi could you give me details on how to become a part time enforcement officer please

    Reply
  9. Comment by Peter Shores posted on

    My direct debit has been in place & triggered for over a month now but still no licence has been posted to me from the EA and it's the 11th March! Disgraceful - what's the problem and how do I go fishing safely?

    Reply
    • Replies to Peter Shores>

      Comment by daveferguson posted on

      Hello Peter, Sorry to hear that your licence has not arrived.

      We are aware that some direct debit customers won’t have received their new rod licence yet. We are working to resolve this and you will receive your licence before the start of the fishing season on 1 April

      If you have any further questions about your licence please call our contact centre on 03708 506506 - lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday

      Reply
      • Replies to daveferguson>

        Comment by Anonna posted on

        Thank you for your blog regarding the
        need to pay for a licence .
        Other sports/pastimes do indeed pay for
        the use of Rivers example Boat
        registrations .
        The Rod licence sales are the main
        source of income for our fisheries work.
        All of the money we receive through rod
        licensing goes towards this. We do have
        to prioritize our work and this has to be
        approved, as this is a vast area to fund
        and we have limited funding in these
        times of austerity.
        The main work areas are:
        • regulation (rod licence sales,
        enforcement and disease control)
        • fisheries monitoring
        • stocking and improvements (such as
        habitat improvements, fish passes and
        fisheries development)
        • fish rescues
        • promotion and advice
        Rod licence income is vital for us to
        continue maintaining fisheries.
        You can also visit the link below to view
        an interesting and detailed video on the
        subject:
        http://www.bdvideo24com/watch?
        v=ayUqySi97FU
        We need our fisherman to continue to
        purchase their licences and help fund this
        amazing activity.
        There are some places to fish for free
        please use the link below to the Angling
        Trust http://www.bdvideo24com/watch?
        v=ayUqySi97FU

        Reply
  10. Comment by Anonna posted on

    Thank you for your blog regarding the
    need to pay for a licence .
    Other sports/pastimes do indeed pay for
    the use of Rivers example Boat
    registrations .
    The Rod licence sales are the main
    source of income for our fisheries work.
    All of the money we receive through rod
    licensing goes towards this. We do have
    to prioritize our work and this has to be
    approved, as this is a vast area to fund
    and we have limited funding in these
    times of austerity.
    The main work areas are:
    • regulation (rod licence sales,
    enforcement and disease control)
    • fisheries monitoring
    • stocking and improvements (such as
    habitat improvements, fish passes and
    fisheries development)
    • fish rescues
    • promotion and advice
    Rod licence income is vital for us to
    continue maintaining fisheries.
    You can also visit the link below to view
    an interesting and detailed video on the
    subject:
    http://www.bdvideo24com/watch?
    v=ayUqySi97FU
    We need our fisherman to continue to
    purchase their licences and help fund this
    amazing activity.
    There are some places to fish for free
    please use the link below to the Angling
    Trust http://www.bdvideo24com/watch?
    v=ayUqySi97FU

    Reply
  11. Comment by Michael machen posted on

    Awaiting license through post office have recipt can I fish

    Reply
    • Replies to Michael machen>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Please ring us on 03708 506 506 to speak to an advisor so we can check you account and reorder your licence as necessary. Thank you in advance. Eileen

      Reply
  12. Comment by Jill Hinde posted on

    PLEASE come and check for licences along the river Medway in Maidstone (particularly town centre to East Farleigh). Lots of fishermen, and far too much debris left behind. Just been part of a swan rescue, it was entangled in fishing line with a large weight attached.

    Reply
  13. Comment by Kevin posted on

    I live in Bedford for now and I love to fish. I am flabbergasted how people here are allowed to fish the river here ad hoc ( The Great Ouse) and allowed to take their catch home in bags after having kept them in buckets all day. I have lived here 8 years and I have never encountered a bailiff. I duly pay for my license, but Im beginning to that I'm one of the few. What is the EAs advice on when an angler wants to report suspected illegal fishing?

    Grateful for a proper reply.

    Fishless

    Reply
    • Replies to Kevin>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Good morning, illegal fishing can be reported to our incident line on: 0800 80 70 60. You can remain anonymous and the line is open 24 hours a day everyday of the year. Thank you in advance. Eileen

      Reply
  14. Comment by frank posted on

    still dont need a rod license to fish in scotland, who needs that! perhaps a charitable angle may be better? just saying

    Reply
  15. Comment by Anon posted on

    Do private fisheries as commercial ventures need a licence? If so how can I check that a fishery has a correct licence and are there any rules they need to abide by, especially regarding local the environment.

    Reply
    • Replies to Anon>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hello Anon
      Fisheries have to have permissions to bring and take way fish (movement of fish) on their sites. But licence to run a fisheries is not needed from the Environment Agency. Everyone who goes to fish there have to be licensed to do so by us. Regards Margaret

      Reply
  16. Comment by george posted on

    If I have purchased a rod licence and have lost it while fishing and have not bought a replacement yet will I still be able to fish ?

    Reply
    • Replies to george>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hi George,

      If you have lost your rod licence we can order a replacement for you but there is a fee of £5 to cover the reprinting of the licence.

      Please call our customer service team on 03708 506506 and a member of our team will be able to arrange this for you.

      Once ordered, the licence will arrive within 15 working days, you can still fish during that time with your licence number and proof of ID, Our team will be able to provide you with the licence number when you call.

      Many Thanks
      Kerry

      Reply
  17. Comment by Steve Bowen posted on

    A group of young men have for many weeks now fished one of our club waters without unhooking mat or even a landing net. They are not members and have been asked to leave around 6 times to date. Now they have been night fishing, 3 nights consecutively, they also leave loads of rubbish. How can we put a stop to this, the police do not seem interested.

    Reply
    • Replies to Steve Bowen>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hi, we can take reports of illegal fishing or poaching on our incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60. Otherwise the Police would have to be contacted re: theft of fish/trespass. Eileen

      Reply
  18. Comment by V Bagshaw posted on

    Hi. I live in Tenerife and travel through Spain France etc and purchase relevant licences on my journey. I arrive in England and go to buy a full rod licence even though it is for only 2 months fishing. So I thought to save a little money I will buy day licences when required. Problem, the post office can't sell me a rod licence because my home address in Tenerife is obviously not recognised. I have to give the address of a friend. Why do they not have a system for foreign tourists. On the many occasions I have purchased a yearly licence they never arrived and the receipt says it it only valid for a month. My thought is that if I paid for a licence I am fishing irrespective of the months curfew. The EA needs to get its actions together.

    Reply
  19. Comment by Pieees posted on

    Hi. I don't know if anyone asked about it yet but i would like to know. If i have a licence could i take anyone with me for fishing? I mean wife or girfriend on my license or she would need a separate licence

    Reply
    • Replies to Pieees>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hi,

      A rod licence covers the licence holder only, so if your partner was to go fishing with you, they would require their own licence for them to fish.

      Many Thanks
      Kerry

      Reply
      • Replies to kathrynbooth>

        Comment by Pieees posted on

        Thank u so much this is the answer i was looking for. Strait. Have a good fishin to everyone.

        Reply
  20. Comment by James Smith posted on

    How long does it take from being issued the bankside paper work for fishing 3 rods whilst only having one rod license to hearing what fine you will have to pay ?

    Reply
    • Replies to James Smith>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Good morning, if a prosecution is determined then the paperwork once completed by the bailiff will be sent to the Court. From there a court date is set and the Court paperwork is then sent out to you. Any fines awarded are set by the Court. You can contact us on: 03708 506 506, quote your reference number from your bankside paperwork and we can transfer you through to a member of the fisheries enforcement team. Best wishes. Eileen

      Reply
  21. Comment by Martin Fuller posted on

    Why have so many anglers not received there licences yet,you have had thier money but failed to deliver,so stop talking from the high moral ground and make an apology about your understaffed rubbish distribution system.
    & ps save me all that gumf about you don't need you licence to fish just make a note of the code,it just a rubbish excuse for a useless operation.
    MARTIN ...WILTS.

    Reply
  22. Comment by Eric posted on

    Why has the 2017 license not arrived paid for on the 5 march.
    Some anglers need the license to renew club membership for the new season. 1 april when it was supposed to arrive by.

    Reply
    • Replies to Eric>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hi Eric

      There has been a delay in anglers receiving their paper licence. This was due to a technical issue that has been resolved. Licences are now in the process of being sent. You can still fish using your confirmation e-mail, text or receipt and some identification.

      If you need your licence number please call us on 03708 506506. We can check your details and give you your licence number.

      We apologise for and inconvenience caused.

      Many Thanks
      Kerry

      Reply
  23. Comment by SRD posted on

    Organised a fishing competition last Feb for a national cancer charity. Has been organised for the last 15 years and has raised a considerable amount for the charity. This year I did not appreciate an EA officer turning up to check all participants licences. I am sure it was a quick way for this person to achieve their checking quota for the week/month but looked as though we had invited this person to check everybody. All 45 anglers showed him their licence. Their is a strong indication that anglers will not support the event next year because of this individual checking everybody. It was the cheapest of cheap shots.

    Reply
  24. Comment by Sue Kershaw posted on

    How is someone new to the hobby supposed to know they need a rod licence when fishing on a private lake that doesn't mention it anywhere or ask if they have one?
    I am annoyed that my partner is being taken to court for not having a rod licence when he didn't know he needed one.
    Where is it advertised or made known to people?

    Reply
    • Replies to Sue Kershaw>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hello Sue

      People who decide to take up fishing often look up what is needed to begin fishing on our site at Gov.UK

      Private lakes should have information available regarding the need for a valid rod licence and check them. We would hope that anyone new to the sport would be informed when purchasing or hiring or borrowing equipment to fish.

      Post offices have information and can sell licences and our online link provides lots of useful information at Gov.uk

      Also the Angling Times.

      Anyone aged 12 or over who wants to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk region of Scotland needs a rod licence to fish with a rod and line. A licence is not needed in the River Tweed and its tributaries as it is classed as a Scottish River.

      A licence is needed to fish on both public and private waters, and when fishing for these species in river estuaries, inshore fishers and up to six nautical miles at sea.

      Anglers must have the permission of the land owner and whoever owns the fishing rights, for the location they want to fish.

      There are a number of different rod licences available.

      Kind regards
      Margaret

      Reply
  25. Comment by Sue Kershaw posted on

    Thank you Margaret,
    I find it hard to believe that anyone would think to look at the Gov.UK website before taking up a new hobby. Private lakes should have signs up to state whats needed & the rules, ours does but there is no mention of a rod licence nor did they ask, there is no mention of it o their website either. Maybe that should be made law before being able to prosecute people.
    As for the post office which we no longer have, I have never seen anything regarding a rod licence on view nor do we buy the angling times.
    Seems my partner slipped through the net!
    He believed that a rod licence was needed for public lakes only & was needed to prevent poaching! He wasn't fishing at the time he was approached by the bailiff yet openly said that he had earlier in the day, he had no idea that he had committed an offence. He was given a caution, bought a day licence using his phone with the help of the bailiff & told that nothing would probably come of it. Upon receipt of a letter stating that you had decided to prosecute him he immediately bought an annual licence even though it wasn't needed for some time. Yesterday he found that he had been taken to court & received a fine of £377, £30 of that was a victim surcharge, who is the victim? It's ridiculous to assume that everyone should know a licence is needed for fishing in private waters, clearly this is quite common as only yesterday he met someone at the lake who also had no idea. Carp fishing is an expensive hobby which my partner takes very seriously, I can assure you that paying £30 for a rod licence is a drop in the ocean and not something he would have avoided had he of known. Whatever happened to 'benefit of the doubt'

    Reply
    • Replies to Sue Kershaw>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Hello Sue

      You can call us and ask to speak to the Enforcement Team regarding this matter.
      Please have the details of the summons available or when and where this happened.

      Customer services are open 0800-1800 Monday to Friday.

      03708506506

      Kind regards
      Margaret

      Reply
  26. Comment by Mark McNaught posted on

    Hi, I have a question regarding licences. If I purchase an 8 day salmon and sea trout licence and then want to extend this to a 12 month licence £30 but for course and trout not salmon and seatrout do i get a refund on my 8 day fee of £27 ? ( assuming i pay the £30 annual fee )
    Thanks

    Reply
  27. Comment by Lewis Mills posted on

    Hello,

    I have a license and I am new to fishing. My question is if I am fishing and someone is sitting beside me and watching me fish and they do not help me or participate in catching any fish in any way does this mean that they still need a licence?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Replies to Lewis Mills>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Good Morning, as long as the other person does not touch or hold the rod then there is no requirement for a licence. Another example is if a junior angler receives help from someone then the person assisting needs a rod licence. Eileen

      Reply
  28. Comment by Mark McNaught posted on

    Hi, I have a question regarding licences. If I purchase an 8 day salmon and sea trout licence and then want to extend this to a 12 month licence but for course and trout not salmon and seatrout do i get a refund on my 8 day fee of £27 ? ( assuming i pay the £30 annual fee for a course and trout licence)

    Reply
    • Replies to Mark McNaught>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      It's currently possible only to upgrade from a short-term licence to an annual licence of the same type. An annual non-migratory trout and coarse licence would need to be bought separately once the short-term salmon licence has expired.

      Reply
  29. Comment by Mark Downing posted on

    I've lost my license how can I get a replacement please?

    Reply
    • Replies to Mark Downing>

      Comment by kathrynbooth posted on

      Good Morning, You can purchase a replacement rod licence over the telephone. The replacement fee is £5.00 and can be paid using a valid debit or credit card. The telephone number to call is: 03708 506 506.

      Rod licences take 10 working days to be printed and posted out but once you have paid the replacement licence fee our customer service advisor will give you your rod licence number that will allow you to fish again legally. We do recommend that you take some form of identification with you until your rod licence arrives.

      If you are unable to use a valid debit or credit card then you can send a letter with your full name, address and date of birth with a cheque made payable to the Environment Agency for £5.00 to:

      Rod Licence Team
      Environment Agency
      Bradmarsh Business Park
      Rotherham
      S60 1BY

      Enjoy fishing
      Eileen

      Reply
  30. Comment by Terry diggens posted on

    I am deaf how do I ring you when I can’t use a phone so how I contact you by phone I bought my rod my license card been over 17 days now is there any email for contact for deaf not by phone many thanks

    Reply
  31. Comment by T K posted on

    Might be problem with web site application procedure. I put in date I wanted licence to start, and when I had paid, noticed that it started at midnight of that day. This isn't what I wanted especially as end date seems to indicate that it should have started at 00.01 on the day I wanted.

    Reply
  32. Comment by Leslie posted on

    From the US, but will be visiting Ireland and the UK for 12 days... I'm sure hubby would love to fish... but how? Can't put in our address. How can he fish?? or get a license/permit?

    Reply
  33. Comment by Keith Garner posted on

    Dear Sir,
    I am a trustee for some land on Carn Marth, Lanner, Cornwall and on this land there are two small lakes that the locals use for fishing.
    While none of the committee are anglers, we are trying to uphold the licensing laws and make sure anglers do leave the area tidy and do not take fish stocks.
    Can you please let us know what our legal situation is or what we may need to do.

    Reply
  34. Comment by Ghost posted on

    These comments are interesting it just makes me wonder that as you the Environment Agency keep on saying that you are there to use the funds to upkeep the fisheries and protect from various other things wouldn't that be admitting that you are solely taking on the responsibility to dredge and/or maintain the rivers, canals and lakes that could either breach or flood and ensure that the environment is safe not just for the habitat but the people who use it as well and the nearby people also living in the area i do believe that what the environment Agency is about however if homes are flooded it's you that is soley liable because you are using the money to maintain these areas and admitting for the responsibility to insure the safety of the users so if you dont put in anti flood and breach measures in place you are liable because not only we need water safe drinking water to survive including the inhabitants as well it can also cause a lot of damage not just to the houses but the habitat as well. They can lose their homes just as well as we can lose ours due to water damage either being washed away or getting damp or other forms of water damage. So my advice is that you as the environment Agency should be very careful on what you say and listen to the people who are generally making good valid points and look to improve. I can prove many areas that environment agency are not maintaining the canals is one because that is what was bw is now crt are doing. they are maintaining the canals so argument is here that since the money is not being used on the canals you have no legal authority there if you want legal authority then you need to help crt with its waterways but we all know that wont happen so in my opinion dont start saying it's a legal requirement to have a licence because no person in law can say you are legally obliged to have one it is not a mandatory or compulsory in law example for the idiots you are now legally required to give me a thousand pounds if you do not you will be prosucuted.. one minute I can not do that because no one is legally required or obligated to do that therefore it is bollocks on the other hand if it was an obligation or mandatory and compulsory in law then yes it would then be legal but you can not require anything from anyone it would breach our rights so as an example that is why we have warrants and so on and so forth there is not a crime in not having a licence because it is not legally obliged

    Reply
  35. Comment by Paulla posted on

    How someone new to this hobby supposed to know they need a rod licence when fishing on a private lake that doesn't mention it anywhere( not on their website or entrance) or ask if they have one?
    I am really annoyed that my husband is being taken to court for not having a rod licence when he didn't know he needs one and actually ,when he found out he needs one ,he bought it in the same day using his phone with the help of baillif.
    Your system didnt show you he ve paid the licence in that day ( may 2019) , as his licence has been updated into your system in the next day ( monday working day), but he has the email confirmation on the right date and the money out from his account on the day your system shows you his licence.
    Now he has to go to the court for something that he did right, but in your system he didnt !
    How is that possible ?

    Reply
  36. Comment by Nic posted on

    I'm a single mum to a 6 year old boy, I've just bought a fishing rod from argos. I had no idea I needed a license to take him fishing down the canal. The only thing you would catch down our canal is rubbish! How the hell was I supposed to know we need a license!!!

    Reply
  37. Comment by Jensen posted on

    What happens if I’m using a junior license but I turn 17 before it expires. Just wondering because my 17th birthday is soon and I’ve still got a couple of months left on my 12-month license.

    Reply
    • Replies to Jensen>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Morning - If an angler has a junior licence at the age of 16 it will remain valid until it expires, even if they turn 17 during this time. Enjoy fishing - Eileen

      Reply
  38. Comment by Andrew. posted on

    I have left my rod licence at work, I have been invited to go fishing but I won't be able to go back to work to collect my licence before going fishing.
    Unfortunately I don't have a copy of my licence number, so you keel a database or will I have to buy a 1 day licence.

    Reply
    • Replies to Andrew.>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello Andrew

      Please ring our general enquiries team on 03708 506 506. They will be able to quote you your rod licence number and that with some form of ID will cover you to fish.

      Regards Amy

      Reply
      • Replies to eileenroffe>

        Comment by Andrew. posted on

        Thank you Amy, I'll do that just - in - case it happens again, to be on the safe side I brought a 1 day licence for today.

        Reply
  39. Comment by kevin walton posted on

    of all the things wrong with this world fishing without a license is not one should call crimestoppers! or indeed involve court time

    Reply
  40. Comment by David posted on

    Hi, my local angling club here in Cornwall got a large grant from yourselves to secure the fishing rights on one of the lakes they run
    This is a private club that requires two signatures and an interview so a difficult club to join.
    I have had rod licences since the late 70's when they were regional and now have a three rod licence.
    So basically I have paid the EA a good amount if money over the years and some of it has been spent on a lake that I cannot fish even on a day ticket this in my opinion is wrong and if the club wants to take the donation they should open the lake up to all EA rod licence holders.
    Kind regards David.

    Reply
  41. Comment by David posted on

    Did you know the Fishing Licence fees enabled us to supply and stock 520,819 fish in rivers across England last year? Our Annual Report shows how every angler contributes to this important work.
    ......
    Otters eat from 15% to 25% of their body weight each day. They can spend up to five hours each day finding the food that they need in order to survive.

    Reply
  42. Comment by M warwick posted on

    How are you going to compensate anglers who have a rod licence but are not allowed to go fishing under the recent government orders,coronavirus.
    Are you to refund the money I’ve paid or are you to extend the licence to next season,
    Either way you should as I’m forced to not go

    Reply
    • Replies to M warwick>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, we are waiting for a response from national as to a decision re: rod licences. Stay safe - Eileen

      Reply
  43. Comment by Josh posted on

    Hi ive got a junior rod licence when i was 16. Im now 17 and ive still got 3 months on my licence, can i still use it or will i have to get an adult license?

    Reply
    • Replies to Josh>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello, you are ok to use your junior licence until it expires: If an angler has a junior licence at the age of 16 it will remain valid until it expires, even if they turn 17 during this time. Enjoy fishing - Eileen

      Reply
  44. Comment by Sandra Hunt posted on

    Hi, I bought a rod licence last week for a family member but I put put the wrong year of birth what do I need to do to get it changed please.

    Reply
    • Replies to Sandra Hunt>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello -= Please call our contact centre: 03708 506 506 - our telephone lines are open 10.00 - 18.00 Eileen

      Reply
    • Replies to Sandra Hunt>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello -= Please call our contact center: 03708 506 506 - our telephone lines are open 10.00 - 18.00 Eileen

      Reply
  45. Comment by Wil posted on

    If I am expected to carry my license at all times, and you charge £5 for every replacement, wouldn't it be better to produce something more durable, or allow for some other proof such as a photo of the license, or your confirmation email instead?

    Fishing does happen in and around water so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that it takes a "dip". If that flimsy paper card gets wet it's done.

    Reply
  46. Comment by Nathan Morgan posted on

    Hi I’ve bought a fishing licence but the post office man has missed spelled my surname by a letter does that matter ? Everything else is correct

    Reply
    • Replies to Nathan Morgan>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Please call our national contact center on: 03708 506 506 - they will be able to rectify this for you - Eileen

      Reply
      • Replies to eileenroffe>

        Comment by Chris posted on

        I have a license but i have lost my wallet do i have to buy a new license or apply for lost one

        Reply
        • Replies to Chris>

          Comment by eileenroffe posted on

          Hello - if you call our national customer contact center on: 03708 506 506 - they an order a new licence for you - replacement fee is £5.00 - Eileen

          Reply
  47. Comment by Ian Couryer posted on

    Hi I have just purchased a fishing licence for the first time,but am not sure which number on my post office receipt is my licence number.l have been trying to register online for fish pass but it says my licence number is invalid.
    Please help.
    Also, is my receipt my licence? Or do I get something else sent to me? Info on this is very scarce which is a poor show.
    An

    Reply
    • Replies to Ian Couryer>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning - you will receive your licence within 20 working days - your receipt does display your licence number on it and acts of proof of purchases int he interim period of your licence being printed and posted. What type of fish pass are your trying to apply for? Please call our national customer contact center on: 03708 506 506 - they are open 0800 - 18.00 Monday to Friday and they will be able to assist you regarding the fish pass - Eileen

      Reply
  48. Comment by Neil Wright posted on

    How can i get a rod licence without a current address, and no addresses i can use?

    Reply
    • Replies to Neil Wright>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - sorry for the delay in response our blog has been down - the rod licence is a legal document and the legislation is passed in parliament - an address is required for it to be posted to and records maintained - Eileen

      Reply
  49. Comment by Rhys posted on

    Hi i have a question, if i purchase a rod license like i am planning to for this year as moving away from sea fishing. Would my girlfriend be able to come with me and use a rod every now and again with me present? Many thanks

    Reply
    • Replies to Rhys>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - no, licences are not interchangeable - your girlfriend would need her own licence to fish or risk the potential to be prosecuted and fined. Eileen

      Reply
  50. Comment by john posted on

    The information letter says that I can't leave a rod unattended in or out of the water. Why when it's out of the water ?

    Reply
  51. Comment by John posted on

    A rod licence allows me to fish with up to two rods, but can I have any number set up but not in use.

    Reply
  52. Comment by John posted on

    I would like clarification on the number of rods in use.
    For example on a 2 rod licence can I have two rods fishing, and another 2 set up, but not in the water ?

    Reply
  53. Comment by John posted on

    So on a 2 rod licence I can be fishing with two rods and have any number of other rods set up with hooks, but these additional rods do not have lines in the water.
    Yes or No ?

    Reply
    • Replies to John>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning - please call our customer contact center on: 03708506506 to be transferred to a local fisheries officer in your area to confirm your enquiry. Eileen

      Reply
  54. Comment by Kevin Pack posted on

    lost my 12 month licence, would like to replace asap, phone call to 0370 number never answered. How do i contact someone?

    Reply
    • Replies to Kevin Pack>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Hello - our national customer contact centre number is: 03708 506 506 monday to friday 08.00 - 18.00 hours ^Eileen

      Reply
  55. Comment by Jeremy posted on

    Hi there - I’ve just been resent my lost licence by text message. It’s a great service and the EA operator couldn’t have been more helpful. However, I just want to check - the text that came through just had a licence number on it, but no printable document. Is this right, and can I just show that text on the bank? Or have I missed something? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Replies to Jeremy>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      We still issue the hard copies of the licence. When purchasing the licence online the system gives you an option to select to receive a hard copy or a digital licence only. This is a new option which has been introduced this year so has caught out quite a few people when purchasing the licence online.

      If you still wish to receive a hard copy of the licence please call our national customer contact centre on: 03708 506 506 the advisor wil ask a few data protection questions - ^Eileen

      Reply
  56. Comment by Liz posted on

    My son was an idiot and forgot to renew his license ( his has one now) how long does he have to wait for the fine? it has been 3 weeks now and still nothing in the post

    Reply
    • Replies to Liz>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning, 15 working days is the charter however, he may have opted for the digital licence. Please get him to call our customer contact centre on 03708 506 506 - choose the rod licence option and the advisor will be a ble to check for him. Eileen

      Reply
  57. Comment by Phil posted on

    Can you please clarify for me what constitutes being in possession of a license. I have purchased a license in March 23 but I have thrown the paper copy away by accident. I still have the email with my license number that I received when I purchased my license. Is this effectively a digital license and therefore sufficient to show a bailiff as proof of possession of a license or do I have to have a paper copy.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Replies to Phil>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good afternoon, your text message/email is enough proof along some form of ID. If you are stopped by a bailiff or Police Officer and you have some form of ID on you then any checks made via our incident team can verify if you have a licence. A paper replacement cost £5.00 and payment can be made with a valid debit or credit card (not American Express) by calling our customer contact centre on 03708 506 506. You can also call this number to request a digital licence which is free of charge. ^Eileen

      Reply
  58. Comment by Blake Morgan posted on

    if im the only one fishing but people are with me do they need a rod lisanse to ?

    Reply
    • Replies to Blake Morgan>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good afternoon Blake,

      Anyone aged 13 or over who wants to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk region of Scotland needs a rod licence to fish with a rod and line. A licence is not needed in the River Tweed and its tributaries as it is classed as a Scottish River.

      A licence is needed to fish on both public and private waters, and when fishing for these species in river estuaries, inshore fisheries and up to six nautical miles at sea.
      Anglers must have the permission of the land owner and whoever owns the fishing rights, for the location they want to fish.

      To report a person you suspect fishing without a licence please call our Incident Line which is open 24 hours a day on 0800 80 70 60

      Reply
  59. Comment by Kyle Pepper posted on

    Recently I was checked by the environmental agency and found out at the side of the lake that my rod licence had previously expired.

    I had not been fishing for a while and this was a genuine mistake , I purchased a rod license immediately when the 2 guys from the environmental agency spoke to me but I’ve been given a fine , the 2 guys who were brilliant with me by the way had no idea of the amount the fine would be or how long it would take for me to receive it ,they have told me I may even receive just a warning but also that worst case scenario could be a court hearing.

    I had my current (expired) rod license with me but no idea that it had expired I’ve never broken the law before and I would never do this purposely it was a simple mistake.

    Will I be given a huge fine for this or just a warning .I’m devastated and don’t want to be labelled as a criminal or seen as to have been breaking the law when this was just an accident and surely one that happens to many anglers all the time.

    Please can you respond to me and give me some sort of idea what is to come next so I can prepare if I need to financially.

    Kindest regards Kyle.

    Reply
    • Replies to Kyle Pepper>

      Comment by eileenroffe posted on

      Good morning Kyle,

      We are unable to comment on individual cases for data protection. If you have received a letter and want to discuss this further please call our contact centre on 0370 506506 explaining the situation and ask to speak with the Enforcement Once case officer. The case officers name will be at the bottom of the letter.

      Thank you

      Reply

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