Cast a line and get back to your happy place

As we near National Fishing Month in August, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) invites everyone to experience the joy and excitement of fishing by applying for a rod licence online.

Summer holidays are the perfect time to focus on activities that enhance our health and well-being. For many, this means grabbing a rod and line and heading to a multitude of Welsh waters.

Fishing remains a beloved pastime in Wales, attracting people of all ages and skill levels, with thousands holding a rod licence.

Ben Wilson, Principal Advisor Fisheries for Natural Resources Wales, said:

“We want as many people as possible to experience the sheer joy of fishing, so throughout the summer we will be encouraging everybody to ‘get back to their happy place’ by either going back to fishing or trying it for the first time.

“A fantastic range of recreational activities await both young and old on our Welsh rivers, lakes and reservoirs, where the variety of fishing available ensures there is something for everyone from the absolute novice to the most experienced angler.

“The benefits of going fishing are extensive and can make a real difference to mental and physical wellbeing simply by connecting people to the natural world.”

If you are aged 13 or over you will need a rod licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in Wales or England. Concessions are available for senior and disabled anglers, while junior licences for 13 to 16 year olds are free but young anglers do need to register.

Income generated by rod licences helps to protect and improve fisheries and facilities for anglers. Fishing without a valid rod licence is illegal and could result in a criminal conviction and a fine.

Licences are available for 12 months, 8 Day and 1 day and Welsh speakers and learners can now apply for their licence in Welsh. They can be purchased quickly and easily online at “Get a Fishing Licence” on GOV.UK or over the phone by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.

And further information, including full details of how to buy a licence as well as rules about how, when and where you can fish in Wales, can be found on the NRW website.

Ben added:

“If you’re new to the sport or just haven’t been fishing for a while there is plenty of support and guidance available too, everything from where to fish to what tackle you’ll need to get started.

“Joining an angling club is a great way to meet new people whether it be sharing a boat for a day on a reservoir or entering one of the many angling competitions held around Wales throughout the year.

“Or if you’ve got a friend or relative who’d like to try angling for the first why not take advantage of the Take a Friend Fishing initiative, which runs from 27 July to 1 September, and aims to give more people the chance to give fishing a try by allowing a licenced angler to take a unlicenced angler fishing for the day.

“For the best advice on where and how to fish, visit the Fishing in Wales website, fishingwales.net, where you’ll find everything, you’ll need to go fishing whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler.

“The Fishing in Wales website is part-funded using rod licence income and is the go-to site for both local and visiting anglers wanting to find out about fishing opportunities in Wales.

“We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing in Wales and there’s plenty on offer including rivers and coarse reservoirs and still waters, so there’s no better time to get out there and go fishing.”