I am going night fishing over the weekend to a near by private farm carp fishery. I have just checked the website and it state that there is no need for a EA License???

I was under the impression that you had to have a license regardless of where you are fishing, if you have a rod and line and hook in any water you have to pay for it???

This doesnt effect me as I have 2 but I do have a couple of friends coming who are trying fishing for the first time. For them not to have a license would be better for their pockets but I have never heard of anywhere that says you dont need a license?

Can anyone fill me in on the correct law as I am a little confused.

Cheers

Alex

I'm no "legal-eagle" but I do believe you are correct in your assumption that you need a license even on private waters.

Best people to confirm with would be the EA.

If your friends do not wish to go to the expense of a full license for the short term, day and week licenses are available.

Regards, Emmo.

A fishing rod licence gives you the right to use a fishing rod and line. NOT the right to fish.

So yes, your friends must obtain a licence prior to fishing.

You need a license to fish anywhere in England, even if you fish in your own pond.

This is exactly as I thought.

Strange how a well established fishery would advertise in this way???

Thanks for the reponses.

Alex

At one time (the 1970s) it was possible for a club or fishery to have a general licence for all of its members/anglers so that they didn't need a rod licence. This was in the days of regional river boards so was useful where you had lots of visiting anglers from away. For local club members it was OK if you only fished those waters but of course the moment you wanted to fish anywhere else you had to buy a licence.

I am not aware that a fishery could still get a general licence and suspect the fishery has fallen into the trap of thinking that a private fishery is exempt.

There are some campsite fisherier in Cornwall that have general licence to cover anyone who wants to "have a go" whilst on holiday. Trevella holiday park near Newquay has this type of cover for anyone staying on site.
All you have to do is tell reception any then you are covered whilst staying on site. I think that its a great idea for holidays and it should be more common.

fish farms where you can have the challenge of catching your tea from the stock pool (lol!) would need a licence as well?

if you are under 12 you don`t need a licence and at one time you didnt need a licence to fish waters less than 1 hectre

Just taken this from the EA site:-

Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England (except the River Tweed), Wales or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence.

I think that says it all....

I think the legislations goes into it a bit deeper Ian, I`ll try to find it

Heres a summary paper of the legislation, its not all clear cut, Owners can have consessions like group licences and privillaged licenses and even this is only a guide, indeed some solicitors specialise in angling law

http://www.wstaa.org/news-show.asp?reference=69

I agree in some cases a group license may be allowed Nick, for special events. But the everyday angler need a license to fish ANY water in England.

I remember bringing this up about 3 or four yers ago and it seems there are still general licences for fishery owners which they then add to the cost of the day ticket. See here under general licences and I quote

"General licences are issued to the owner/manager of the water and relieve authorised people from the need to own a rod licence when fishing on water covered by the licence."

yes thats the one Graham

There you go!!!

And after all that my friends are not coming anymore, never mind, more water for me to cover!!!!

Thanks guys, glad to start a healty debate.

Alex

Doesn't (didn't) this apply to the Royalty fishery on the Avon? Not needing a licence because it came with the day ticket that is

John

The EA licence covers only the water of a specific size otherwise it would cover household garden ponds.
Any answers to this please.
Look forward to replies.
Regards John Tighe

Alex, theres a free one day licence in this weeks Anglers Mail, might help solve your problem for the weekend.

Too late, Jim!

John, if you want to fish in your garden pond mate,what ever turns you on,I shouldn't worry about a licence!
Watch out for the gnomes though,they may not take too kindly too it.