A starting point for new or returning anglers, providing the basic information to get started with fishing
So you want to go fishing, or find out a little bit more about it? Here we give you some basic tips and information, and provide plenty of links to websites and organisations that can help get you started. Tight lines and enjoy your fishing.
Rod licences and fishing permits - what do I need?
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.
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.
Fishing permit
A fishing permit is issued by the owner or lessee of the water you are fishing, usually an angling club, and gives you 'permission' to fish the water. Sometimes called day tickets, permits are usually available from an angling club, the fishery owner or sometimes from a representative on the bank. Some places offer free fishing, you will however still need a rod licence.
Where can I go fishing?
There are thousands of places to fish in England and Wales. See where to go fishing to download our regional guides or use the Waterscape link for an online searchable where to fish guide.
Other things I might like to know about
There are also links to other pages on our site that will help you:-
Who else can help to get me started?
The major angling representative organisations are featured in the links below for coarse, game and sea fishing. These websites can help with getting started and understanding a little bit more about angling. Coaching for angling is organised by the Joint Angling Development Board (JADB) and their site is also featured.
Every summer, hundreds of angling events are organised through National Fishing Week (NFW). Most of these events are aimed at giving new anglers a taste of what fishing is all about. So if you are a beginner or have children who want to start, then the NFW Fish4U events search is an ideal launch pad.
