Angling goes from strength to strength in England and Wales, despite the recession. The tackle trade is reporting a good spring and licence sales are soaring.
Sales of rod licences increased steadily after 2000 to record levels last year and 2009 looks like another record breaker. Sales to the end of May are up by 19 percent compared with the same period last year.
‘This is really good news for angling’, said Head of Fisheries, Mat Crocker. ‘Some anglers bought their licences early but others are new or returning to the sport. The late Easter and better weather in April have encouraged people to go fishing. We've helped them by a huge distribution of local angling guides to licence holders, through tackle shops, and on the internet.’
‘We’ve also done our best to remind anglers that they need a licence and the consequences of being caught without one. We’ve sent reminder letters to previous licence holders and boosted our advertising, especially on television and the internet. Many tackle dealers and fishery owners across the country have helped by putting up posters. So there should be fewer licence evaders risking a fine and a court appearance.
‘Good licence sales means that the Environment Agency can do more work to improve fisheries and boost angling.’
Key facts:
- 1.357 million licences were sold last year, 27 percent more than in 2000;
- The new licence year started on 1 April 2009;
- 787,431 licences were sold by 23 May 2009;
- More than a quarter of licences are sold over the internet;
- Almost a million local angling guides have been distributed this year;
- Income from rod licences generates £24 million and funds most of the Environment Agency’s Fisheries service.
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