Praise for the new rod licence!

Easier to buy, fairer to multiple rod users and kids get to fish for free!

The new rod licensing system has been well received by anglers nationwide. Thousands have already purchased their new permits for the 2017/18 season, and the Environment Agency aims to bring new blood into fishing by letting juniors fish for free. Specimen and carp anglerscan save money too.

The licences are available online or over the counter at the Post Office. Anglers can buy one higher-priced licence to fish with three rods instead of having to purchase two separate full licences.

The new system also means that the licences, which feature artwork from angling artist David Miller, now last for 12 months from the day of purchase rather than expiring on March 31, 2018 in order to give anglers better value.

On top of this, the EA has launched a website to simplify the buying process, scrapping the Post Office website purchase route. Judy Proctor, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Angling creates over 37,000 full time jobs and generates over £1 billion for the UK economy, but at its heart it’s a much-loved outdoor sport connecting people with nature.

“We’ve listened to anglers’ concerns and improved the fishing licence to make the process of getting out and fishing legally simpler.” Sales of licences for the 2015/16 season raised £21 million.

The money was used to restock rivers with 452,220 coarse fish, encourage more than 35,000 people to try angling for the first time and bring 2,043 successful prosecutions against crimes such as fish poaching.

It is hoped that the new system and the more convenient way of buying the licence will generate more sales and bring down the number of anglers breaking the law by not buying theirs.

Angling Times editor Steve Fitzpatrick has already purchased his new licence. He said: “It’s far easier and quicker to buy than it was before, and if you’re like me and like to fish for carp with three rods it’s a real money-saver.

“I’ve also obtained a licence for my young daughter. It’s great that kids like her can fish for free. Full marks to the EA for making these much-needed changes.”