If you enjoy fishing, you may well want to book a UK break where you can enjoy the sport during your holiday. Remember catch-and-release fishing is the best practice for responsible recreation unless you plan to eat the fish caught. To have the best fishing holiday in the UK, it’s important to be aware of the rules on fishing so you can book your holiday for the best possible time of year and book accommodation that best suits you.
What Type of Fishing do you want to do on Holiday?
When it comes to fishing holidays, there are a few choices including;
- Accommodation with access to a river or stream where you can fish
- Coastal accommodation where you can enjoy sea fishing nearby
- A lodge, cottage or cabin with fishing lakes on site
So what are the Rules on Fishing on Rivers, Streams and Waterways in the UK?
England and Wales have certain byelaws when it comes to freshwater fishing, so if you are booking accommodation with river fishing, remember it may only be possible to fish for certain types of fish within fishing season, to preserve stocks. Usually when it comes to fishing on rivers, streams and waterways, coarse fishing is not permitted between 15 March and 15 June. In England you can only legally fish for free in officially recognised fully tidal parts of rivers and seas. For most river fishing, a licence is required, and anyone found to be fishing without a licence can face a significant fine.
Even if you are booking accommodation with access to a private beat, owners may well have their own rules, so always ask whether you would be able to fish during your chosen dates and at your chosen location before booking. When fishing on private beats it’s almost always essential to have a license; some accommodation providers include this, so again it’s recommended that you ask whether this is included before booking.
In Scotland the situation is different, in that you don't need a rod licence from the government or environment agency to fish on a river, and can fish with a rod in lochs, and in the sea. However, some beats, lochs and fisheries are privately owned and in for privately owned areas you would need a permit from the owners. The only exception to this is the River Esk as this river flows in to England, so a licence is required here.
What are the Rules on Sea Fishing in the UK?
When it comes to sea fishing in the UK, anglers do not need a license, but some harbours and ports ban fishing or restrict angling. Also with sea fishing, some species are protected and must be returned to the sea if caught. These protected species include salmon and trout, silver eels, allis shad, bass and giant goby.
Similarly, sea fishing is permitted in Northern Ireland, but a licence is required if fishing for salmon or sea trout.
What are the Rules on Coarse Lake Fishing in the UK?
As coarse fishing lakes are privately owned, they will all have their own rules which need to be followed when enjoying fishing responsibly on holiday. Some holiday parks will include a licence or free fishing during your stay, Expect rules on the types of nets and hooks you can use to fish.
Book the Best Fishing Holiday for You
We hope you’ve found the above information helpful. Remember if you want more information and advice, some holiday parks may offer chargeable fishing lessons where you can get more helpful advice on site.
Accommodation with Fishing Lake on Site Holiday Accommodation with Fishing Lakes | Fishing Lakes with Accommodation in the UK? (countrycottagesonline.com)
Accommodation for Fishing Holidays Fishing Holidays Accommodation | Lodges and Accommodation with Fishing Lakes and On Site Fishing (countrycottagesonline.com)