Angling is back!

Last week the Angling Trust launched its #WhenWeFishAgain campaign – with thousands of the angling community getting involved. This week #WeAreFishingAgain! Angling in England started on Wednesday 13th May 2020.

We’ll keep an eye on the detail and keep you updated – but for now it’s positive news because we can go fishing!

It’s absolutely crucial though that social distancing measures are adhered to and that the guidance to participate alone or with members of your own household are followed.

We must not breach the rules the Prime Minister has laid down and we must ensure that we all act as “ambassadors” for angling.

Our new website “The Angling Support Hub” has guidance to help you make a safe safe return or introduction to angling.

Resources for Beginner Anglers:

1. How to start fishing – what tackle do I need: A really simple guide to how to start fishing and the basic tackle that you need to go.
2. The Get Fishing Book: Get Fishing – the ‘how to’ guide to Coarse, Sea and Fly Fishing by Allan Sefton is a colourful, lively book aimed at complete beginners of all ages, those who have been out fishing a couple of times and want to take it further and families of all abilities.
3. You need a fishing licence too: Remember that if you are over 13 you’ll need a fishing licence before you go fishing in freshwater lakes, rivers, stillwaters or canals. They are easy to get and are free if you are 16 or under. You don’t need one to fish in the sea. The Environment Agency funds the Angling Trust to provide more opportunities for people to go fishing. You can get a licence to go fishing at https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence
4. The fish you can catch: ‘Fishbook’: Our species-guide series shows you the UK’s fish species to help newcomer anglers find out more about fish that can be caught in our lakes, canals, rivers, ponds and sea.
5. Seven things you need to know to get fishing: So maybe you’ve been fishing for the first time and have an idea what fishing is all about? Or perhaps you just want to give fishing a go? No matter how much or how little experience you’ve got, here are seven things that every angler needs to know…
6. Fishing and mental health: Check out our news archive on how fishing can help mental health and wellbeing. Fishing really can help! It’s even used in the NHS to improve anxiety and depression. Please try it.
7. Get Fishing and empty your Stress Bucket: Going fishing is a great way to de-stress in the outdoors, it has a very meditative quality and can help you reconnect with nature, relax and disconnect from everyday anxieties.
8. 7 Reasons to take the kids fishing: With modern day technology it’s all too easy to let the younger generation stay inside and not experience the big outdoors, so last summer we pulled together seven reasons to get outside with the kids.
9. Why is fishing good for your health: One way of maintaining a healthy mind as well as a healthy body is getting outside with a rod or pole and going fishing. We take a look at seven ways that fishing is good for both your physical and mental health.

AND: Must Read – these Covid-19 Guidelines on fishing safely:

1. Advice for individual anglers: Our guidance for anglers on how to resume fishing safely during the Covid-19 health pandemic. These guidelines are designed to help you prepare for phase one of making angling compliant with current Covid-19 regulations. Last updated: 12 May 2020
2. Advice for clubs and fisheries: To help prepare to accept anglers to your venue during the Covid-19 health pandemic we have drawn up a set of guidelines.