Recreational angling contributes in excess of £5 billion to the UK economy each year, with more than £1 billion of this coming from recreational sea angling. The 3 million people
who go fishing each year support over 37,000 jobs in England and Wales alone.

The Angling Trades Association represents angling manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, publishers and distributors. Its function is to promote, represent and protect the trade. In so doing it aims to achieve not only long-term stability for the sport but, more importantly, growth and development.

For many anglers, fishing is far more than a sport – it is a central part of who they are. Their passion depends on healthy fish stocks, and most fish stocks are in dramatic decline – if current trends continue. Their passion also relies on access to these fish stocks which are, after all, commonly-owned resources and described in the United Nations’ Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries as, “one of society’s natural heritage”.

Sea anglers fear their sport is under threat from the commercial fishing lobby who seek to identify recreational sea angling as a contributing factor in the demise of ‘commercial’ fish stocks. Article 55 of the EU Common Fishery Policies Control Regulations seek to address the impact recreational fishing has on ‘commercially’ valuable stocks, such as Cod and sharks, which are under recovery plans.

A DEFRA funded project being carried out by Cefas, Sea Angling 2012, will begin in 2012 to assess the impact recreational angling has on commercially important stocks in England. The failure of successive Governments to do anything positive to support sea angling means there is a high degree of suspicion from within the sea angling sector that the data collected from this project will be used to restrict and control sea angling unfairly, rather than use the data (provided it is accurate and reliable) to develop and enhance the sport.

The recent summary of responses to the Government’s consultation on domestic fisheries management reform in England illustrates the view that fish stocks are seen to be property of the commercial catching sector and not a publicly-owned natural resource;

“There were a number of responses that mentioned recreational angling and that this activity should be subject to stricter controls. Currently, in many places there are no limitations placed on recreational angling. This is seen to be unfair and, in some cases, those recreational anglers are believed to have significant impacts on commercially valuable species such as bass, cod and haddock.”

The suggestion that recreational angling is having a significant impact on these stocks is strongly refuted and is not addressing how and why these stocks have been brought to historically low levels in the first place. The decline in stocks, and therefore quota available to the commercial catching sector, has been caused by decades of scientific advice being ignored in favour of short term political gain under pressure from the commercial fishing lobby, resulting in unsustainable levels of fishing. This has in turn had a devastating impact on the sea angling sector which, perversely, is now being accused of contributing to the problem.

The Angling Trust will fight vociferously to ensure that a healthy and sustainable sport such as sea angling is not made a scapegoat for the failings of previous Governments to manage properly one of our most valuable publicly-owned resources.

Many countries recognise the value of recreational fisheries as the best use of fish stocks to society and have taken measures to support and develop their recreational angling sectors. It is worth considering that in 2009 the first sale value in England and Wales of commercial landings of species also targeted by anglers was £30.3m. Five years earlier the annual spend of recreational sea anglers in the UK targeting the same species was estimated to be at least £1 billion annually according to a report, Net Benefits, produced in 2004 by the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit which also concluded:

“fisheries management policy should recognise that sea angling may, in some circumstances, provide a better return on the use of some resources than commercial exploitation.”

However, despite this recommendation, and the clear value of sea angling to society, no action has ever been taken to support this.

The Angling Trust is issuing this briefing in advance of the annual Fisheries Debate with an appeal to Ministers and the Members of Parliament who represent this huge constituency. We call on our representatives to focus this year’s debate on how Britain can lead the way in Europe in calling for the sustainable management of fish stocks for the benefit to society as a whole, and with decisions based on sound scientific evidence.

We need:

• The social, cultural and economic contribution of recreational sea angling to be recognised if fish stocks are to be managed for the good of society as a whole;
• an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management including multi-stock management plans;
• emergency measures to allow member states to take conservation measures that apply to vessels flying flags of all member states within the 12 nautical mile zone;
• measures to reduce discards through the application of technical measures such as adapted gear types and closed areas to reduce the overall mortality of under size, overquota
  and ‘unwanted’ species;
• an end to the political horse trading and lobbying at the December Council negotiations which results in quotas regularly exceeding scientific advice;
• improved compliance and enforcement preventing all forms of illegal commercial fishing.

There is an opportunity to save our fish stocks in the next two years through fundamental reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and we recognise the Government’s efforts to reform the CFP. However, we call on politicians of all parties to resist the lobbying by the commercial fishing sector and put aside the short-term political decision making that has contributed to scientific advice being routinely ignored and many of our fish stocks being exploited at unsustainable levels.

Millions of anglers and thousands of businesses that supply and service the UK’s sea angling sector throughout the country demand that their elected representatives go to Europe and fight for what is right; fisheries management based on restoring and maintaining fish stocks for future generations so that we can all enjoy a sustainable harvest of the oceans’ fish resources.

Source: Angling Trust Fishing News

The beauty of fishing is that even if you live in a major city such as London, there are hundreds of opportunities within a few miles or a few hours drive at the most. You just have to know where to look for them. So where are some of the best fishing places to drive to near London?

For coarse fishing, you can start with the rivers. Father Thames is the obvious choice, but there are other rivers and tributaries and streams offering an enjoyable day`s sport. The River Lee is a lesser known fishing water, along with Coppermill Stream in Tottenham that is well worth investigating. Of course there are also plenty of canals which are a great way for any angler to start. Regents Canal and the famous Grand Union Canal are long waterways with plenty of places to fish.

For still waters within easy driving distance in Greater London there are almost too many to mention. However, you could try Clapham Common Pond, Birchmere Lake in Thamesmead, Hampstead Heath Boating Pond and Tooting Common Main Pond. For those prepared to travel a little longer and a bit further the waters become more secluded and there is less general public around. That makes it a much better day out for the more experienced angler. So venues such as Chase Waters in Dagenham, Gunnersbury Lake in Brentford and Epping Forest Ponds are a great day out, as well as superb fishing venues.

This is only just scratching the surface of what is available for coarse anglers in and around London. Most waters respond well to traditional float methods such as waggler or to other swimfeeder techniques. Easy baits include traditional sweetcorn, maggots, casters and bread, although always check before you take any boilies or seed baits. So if you are at a lose end this weekend why not invest in one of the London car rentals and take a drive to your favourite spot.

Source: Linear Fisheries

Source: Bury Hill Fisheries

Well the choice is huge, but Cornwall is always one of the nation`s favourite places for both a holiday and a fishing trip. Great places to stay, great places to see and a lot of new fisheries. Bude, Launceston and the Tamar Valley let you enjoy both game and coarse fishing in abundance. If sea fishing is your thing then the beach fishing here for bass is some of the best in the country, but you do not even have to stop on the beach. Get out in a boat and you can go wreck fishing and also shark fishing. Time to tackle up for those congers. They can be monsters!

Wales is also fast developing a reputation as a good place to take a fishing holiday. A short hop across the border you can take advantage of the wealth of new fishing places in Cardiff, Newport and the Brecon Beacons. Now that is a spectacular place to be when you are sitting on a bank side. You could even try your hand down in the prolific Port Talbot area or the new exclusive venues out in West Wales. The Lougher Estuary in the evenings is also one of the most magical places to be.

Of course if you want to go to the heart of angling in the UK the Midlands is one of the best areas to take a get away in. Rivers such as the Severn, Teme, Stour, Trent and Avon provide superb sport all year around. Why not take in Bewdley for a barbel fishing Mecca or the huge bags of bream and carp on the Trent by the power stations in Nottingham. Still waters are also very numerous here in places like Worcestershire, Birmingham and Leicestershire. Many are day ticket so you can be sure to be able to take your pick when you stay in the area.

Other areas that provide a perfect holiday include the Norfolk Broads, The Fens, the numerous lakes in the North of England and the amazing game fishing you can enjoy in Scotland, which is the salmon fisherman`s paradise. Whichever you chose, remember to pick a good travel agency to arrange the details. Companies such as First Choice have an excellent range of packages and accommodation that would be perfect whether travelling alone or making it into a family occasion.

View our UK Fishing Holidays section

Around the UK we have some of the most stunning and varied landscapes in all of Europe. Ok, so you will not be out catching the Red Snappers and other exotic varieties that you might in warmer climates, but we do have some incredible species of trout, salmon, carp and other native fish which are delicious to eat and plentiful to catch, if you know where to go.

One such place is the Eye Kettleby Lakes in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Here, a network on eight stretches of water settled in 150 acres of rural countryside offer fine coarse fishing amidst stunning scenery. The self catering accommodation on site includes hot tubs, four poster beds and a top quality restaurant and some of their off season holiday deals can cost less per person than one night in a good hotel elsewhere.

For some upper class fishing, head to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. In the grounds of this stunning historical palace are some of the best maintained and stocked lakes an angler can hope for. For the ultimate in peace and tranquillity, make the most of the hire boats and drift away from disturbance to catch some of the best Perch, Tench and Roach in the summer or some huge Pike in the winter. Local B&Bs or hotels in Oxford can be snapped up mid week, or, for a more luxurious stay, try the Feathers at Woodstock, voted the UKs best gastro pub in 2006.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Dartmoor, the Arundell Arms at Lifton, Devon is one of the UK`s best specialist fishing hotels with its own on site fishing school and its own private lake. If you have not tried fly fishing, this sheltered corner is one of the best places to start, with plenty of instruction available as well as day courses to enhance your abilities. Weekend breaks in the Arundell Arms are certainly not pocket money, but for the quality of accommodation and experience you get, plus the fact there are no flights to pay for, this has to be a top choice for any budding fly fishing enthusiast.

There are many other locations across the British Isles which offer incredible fishing opportunities, from Scotland to the Scillies. On group buying websites such as Groupon deals can be found for various overnight stays and holidays which can be combined with fishing trips to give you a great fishing holiday at an unbeatable price.

Source: Linear Fisheries

Bury Hill Fisheries

Bury Hill Fisheries is located in a beautiful area of Dorking in Surrey and the estate itself is over 200 years old. There are four lakes on this large site which are easily accessible for experienced anglers, children and those with access needs. The lakes are stocked with a great range of fish from specimen size Carp, Zander, Tench and Pike to large populations of smaller Carp, Roach, Crucian Carp and Perch that make for a great day fishing experience. Nets of 250-300lb are not uncommon.

Kilworth Sticks Fishery

Kilworth Sticks Fishery is an easily accessible lake in the heart of Leicestershire. With five lakes in place and a sixth on the way, flat easily accessible pegs and good facilities, this newcomer is one to look out for. It is particularly good at encouraging the fishing experience as a great day out. Of course the other reason is the great fishing itself. The lakes hold a high population of Carp from 2-10lb as well as some specimens and the aggressive Grass Carp. On top of that is a sizeable stock of Roach, Dace, Tench and Crucian Carp for a brilliant day`s fishing.

Meadowlands

Meadowlands is a well established gravel pit fishery near Coventry. Two large pools cover a total of 17 acres. They cater for both the specimen hunter and also the pleasure fisherman. This policy has developed Meadowlands popularity in the area. Warren Pool in particular has a reputation for huge hauls of Crucian Carp in the matches there, with the record being 265lb. Lambsdown Lake is not far behind with 22lbs, but there is plenty of opportunity for larger fish as well with Carp running to over 20lbs and Lambsdown producing a 32lb mirror recently.

Llandyfan Fishing Park

A great coarse fishing venue, out in Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. A beautiful setting close to the Brecon Beacons, makes this venue nothing short of a spectacular visual treat. A lovely all round lake with plenty of Carp running to double figures, Tench and Bream in Bob`s Pool. The venue makes a great place to plan a holiday for the whole family.

Hampton Springs Fishery

A little jewel in Malpas in Cheshire this venue is very popular with its eight lakes. The stocking levels ensure great fishing for all anglers and of varying levels. There are superb access points and the lakes are fast developing a specimen reputation as well. The fishing itself is prolific and nearly all methods produce success. This is part of the reason for its popularity. It is not uncommon for anglers from further away to make the journey here.

So in our opinion these are five of the best places to fish in the UK. They are perfect to plan a family holiday around. They are also perfectly positioned to take advantage of the excellent holiday cottage accommodation such as that offered by Sykes Holiday Cottages. You can not go wrong - great facilities and great fishing for all.

So where can we find these hidden fishing locations? Well let us have a look at a few waters as an example and you will see these types of venues can be easily found in all parts of the country.

Hidden by name and by nature, Hidden Valley Discovery Park near Launceston in Cornwall is actually in the middle of an adventure park, but do not let that fool you. The two fishing lakes are well away and secluded from the park itself. They are fantastically landscaped and a joy to spend the day there. The lakes themselves are a Carp hunter`s haven. For a fairly young water they produce a range of species of mid to large size. It is easy to sit hidden in the bank side trees, watching the wildlife and enjoying your day`s fishing. This is well worth the season ticket.

Our next example is the lovely Bluebell Park Fishery near Welshpool in Mid-Wales. This is an all round venue tucked away in the spectacular Welsh landscape. The main pool is only one acre but is stocked well with a range of species including Carp, Rudd, Tench and Roach. The real plus with this venue is that although the secluded main pool is experienced anglers only, Bluebell also has a novice`s pool to encourage new anglers to shape their skills.

The other reason we have picked these two venues, is that they present you with the opportunity to enjoy your sport, whilst also being able to holiday with the whole family. This is the very essence of a great hidden holiday fishery. Lakes such as these often also have additional habitat areas available for viewing wildlife and encourage protection schemes. The Tamar Lakes in Cornwall are a great example of this. They are also often in the heart of a countryside full of attraction and family activity opportunities.

So why not hunt out these magnificent gems of the British countryside. Cornwall is one of the best holiday locations around and if you combine it by booking into one of the more family friendly cottages in Cornwall, you will have a holiday to remember.