This year’s spring has been the driest in nearly 70 years, and while that’s caused concern for some, the warm and settled weather has resulted in a significant boost in angling participation.
The Environment Agency (EA) have reported an 18% spike in rod licence sales over recent months, backed up by a 20% increase in unique angler numbers on the same time last year.
Such figures are warmly welcomed in this day and age, in which news about rod licence sales often follows a declining trend.
“It is a really encouraging sign for the sport and the wider community,” says Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnership Manager.
“This strong start is likely down to a few key factors — the weather in April has been dry, sunny, and at times very warm - a stark contrast to last April’s miserable conditions. Plus, with Easter falling in April this year rather than March, more people were off work or school and able to get out on the banks.”
The EA hope that licence sales will continue to improve over the coming months.
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