If you’re just getting into fishing, or coming back after a few years away, one of the first things you’ll need to sort is a valid rod licence.
You won’t find them behind the counter at your local tackle shop any more, or at the post office like you could years ago. These days, it’s all done online via the gov.uk website, the process is simple and only takes a few minutes.
YOU CAN BUY YOUR ROD LICENCE BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK HERE...
What is a rod licence and who needs one?
In simple terms, a rod licence is a legal requirement for anyone fishing with a rod and line in freshwater in England and Wales. This includes rivers, canals, drains, lakes and commercials. Whether you’re pleasure fishing with one rod or carp fishing with 3 rods, if you’re over 13, you’ll need a licence.
The only exception is if you’re under 13. Children that age don’t need one at all. But if you’re 13 to 16, you’ll still need a junior licence (which is free, but you must register).
Regardless if you’re just having a cast on your local pond or fishing your local stretch of river, if it’s freshwater and you’re using a rod, you need a UK rod license. The only exception is fishing in the sea, where there is currently no requirement for a rod licence.
What happens if I fish without a licence?
It’s simple, you’re breaking the law. EA officers do patrol, and they have the power to ask for your licence and details. If you don’t have one, you can be prosecuted and fined, with the maximum penalty carrying a hefty £2,500 fine and a criminal record.
Plenty of anglers have been caught out thinking no one checks any more. The reality is, checks do happen, and enforcement is active across the country, especially on busy venues and rivers during the season.
It’s not worth the risk, especially when the licence costs less than a coffee per month.
What type of licence do I need?
There are a few different options, depending on what and how you’re fishing. As of now, here’s how it breaks down:
-
Trout and coarse (up to 2 rods) – Most popular among match, and pleasure anglers. Lets you fish with up to two rods for coarse fish or non-migratory trout.
-
Trout and coarse (up to 3 rods) – If you’re targeting carp or fishing big waters with 3 rods, this one’s for you.
-
Salmon and sea trout - If you prefer to target salmonid species this is the license you need.
You can buy a 1-day, 8-day, or 12-month licence. The 12-month one offers by far the best value if you fish more than a few times a year.
Juniors (aged 13–16) can get a free licence, but they still need to register for one through the site.
How do I buy a rod licence?
You can’t get them in tackle shops or post offices anymore. It’s all done online via gov.uk website. Don’t use third-party sites or dodgy links, stick to the government site.
The process is straightforward. You’ll need:
-
Your name, address and date of birth
-
An email address
-
A debit or credit card
Once purchased, your licence is active immediately (usually a 30 minute delay), and you’ll get an email confirmation. You don’t need a physical copy, but it’s wise to keep the confirmation on your phone just in case you’re asked by a bailiff.
