Take a Friend Fishing

WHAT’S TAKE A FRIEND FISHING ALL ABOUT?

Take a Friend Fishing was relaunched in 2020 and since then over 6,000 people have taken part – this partnership initiative is designed to give more people the chance to get into fishing. This year’s campaign aims to get even more people back out by the waterside. The initiative will show people it’s still just as easy to get into angling, especially with a friend to show you how, and a free fishing licence from the Environment Agency usually worth £6 (…and £12  for salmon and seatrout when allowed!)

WHY SHOULD I TAKE PART?

Here’s three great reasons…
1] The holidays are a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some time next to the water. Taking a friend or family member for a fishing trip is the ideal opportunity to spend time outdoors and escape your screens this holiday.

2] Getting outside in the countryside is a great way to be with family and friends and angling is the perfect fit for staying active outdoors.

3] With physical activity playing a vital role in both our health and mental wellbeing, a fishing trip with a mate or family member means you can stay active, and fish safely following guidelines on the Angling Trust website.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Use #takeafriendfishing #getfishing to share your Take a Friend Fishing pics of you and friends fishing together.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GetOutThereGetFishing
Twitter: @GetIntoFishing
Instagram: @getintofishing

WHERE CAN I TAKE A FRIEND FISHING?

At this time of year there are still loads of fisheries, lakes, stretches or river and canal open all over the country that are perfect to visit, and a catch-up with a friend can easily be combined with a quick ‘Take a Friend Fishing trip’.

WHEN CAN I TAKE A FRIEND FISHING?

Due to its massive success since 2020, Take a Friend Fishing will be back for the Summer holidays. During the dates, yet to be confirmed, existing fishing licence holders can register for a FREE one-day fishing licence from the Environment Agency to take someone they know fishing.

DO ME AND MY FRIEND BOTH NEED AN EMAIL ADDRESS?

Yes. You both have to have a working email address. This offer is only available online via this web page. You cannot register anywhere else. The free one-day fishing licence can only be issued by email. Both you and your friend need a separate email address and it must be working. This is a condition of the offer and there is no other offer or alternative available. If you or your friend need to get an email it’s quick and easy to get one free by using a service such as Gmail from Google – using this example it takes less than 5 minutes to setup a free Gmail email address here at www.accounts.google.com/signup – of course, other free email services are available!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I REGISTER?

You’ll receive an email with your free licence. You need to bring a copy with you on your phone or device so that you can show it to any Environment Agency Officer, Fishery Owner or Club/Syndicate Bailiff if requested.

GOT A PROBLEM USING THIS FORM?

Please DO not contact any of the Regional Contact people on this page – they are not technical support and will not be able to help – contact participation@anglingtrust.net by email instead. Remember to include your telephone number if you want a call. Your enquiry will be dealt with as soon as your email is read. You might not receive a reply immediately – it can take up to 24hours.

Angling Trust Office Hours: Normal office hours are Mon – Fri 9.00-5.00. These will vary during Public Holidays. Calls to our 0343 507 7006 number are charged at the same rate as normal landline numbers. Please leave a message if you call outside working hours or email us at participation@anglingtrust.net

GOT A PROBLEM RECEIVING YOUR FREE ONE-DAY LICENCE?

If you did not receive your free one-day fishing licence email it is because of email or email/server settings. The most common issue is caused by not entering your own or your friend’s email correctly. Check that you have both the email addresses right. This is beyond our control and you might need to check your inbox or contact your internet service provider. We cannot help with your email settings, how your internet service provider manages emails or emails not arriving. Angling Trust is not responsible for problems caused by confirmation emails not arriving. This form has been thoroughly tested.

WHAT ABOUT COVID-19 AND FISHING WITH A FRIEND?

You should always follow the most up-to-date Government information on social distancing when encountering others. Current guidelines and any restrictions can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

WHO RUNS TAKE A FRIEND FISHING?

Take a Friend Fishing is a partnership between the Angling Trust, Environment Agency and Angling Trades Association. The Angling Trades Association (ATA) is the voice of the British Angling industry, aiming to unite the industry, promote and protect our loved sport. The ATA represents angling manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, fisheries, publishers, and distributors. www.anglingtradesassociation.com. The Environment Agency funds the Angling Trust to provide more opportunities for people to go fishing and encourage sales of rod fishing licences. Money from rod fishing licence sales is spent on improving fisheries habitat and angling infrastructure through projects like the Angling Improvement Fund and Fisheries Improvement Programme

WHATS THE OBJECTIVE?

The campaign focuses on making it as easy as possible for an existing angler to take someone they know fishing. It is part of the Get Fishing campaign run by the Angling Trust the national representative and governing body for angling in England. This work is supported by Environment Agency rod fishing licence income and helps to introduce thousands of people to fishing each year. Find out more at www.anglingtrust.net.

WHAT ARE FISHING LICENCES FOR?

You normally need a valid Environment Agency rod fishing licence if you are aged 13 or over and fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in England (except the River Tweed), Wales, and the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland.  An annual fishing licence only costs £30 for up to 2 rods to fish for coarse fish & trout. For a salmon and sea trout licence it’s £82. Concessionary, short term and three rod coarse fishing licences are also available. Visit www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence to buy one online. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

You can go back to the registration form HERE.