The Environment Agency has unveiled its new design for this year’s rod licences.
Designed by renowned angling and wildlife artist, David Miller, the new rod licences go on sale today. The image on this year’s coarse fishing rod licence is a crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and the non-coarse is a salmon (Salmo salar). Last year David’s artwork featured on a range of sustainable fish stamps for the Royal Mail.
Sarah Chare, head of fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “Rod licence income is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of anglers. We want more people to go fishing this year and everyone who does will need one of these licences. We’re delighted to see David’s stunning designs yet again which promote the beauty of our natural environment and encourage people to give fishing a go.”
David Miller, the artist who designed the rod licence, said: “Designing this year’s rod licence combines two of my passions: fishing and art. The Environment Agency does a fantastic job and I’m proud to be supporting rod licence sales with my artwork.”
Licences cost £27 for coarse fishing and non-migratory trout and £72 to also fish for salmon and sea trout. There are flexible options: a 1 or 8 day licence or the full season. There are also junior and concession options.
You can buy a rod licence online from the local Post Office or by phoning 0344 800 5386.
Buying a rod licence online from the Post Office website is easy, and saves both time and administration costs, meaning that more of the income can be spent on improving fish stocks and fishing.
Always ensure that you buy direct from the Post Office because there are some unofficial websites which charge a handling fee.
Anyone fishing illegally can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. In 2013/ 2014 the Environment Agency checked 80,000 rod licences and prosecuted 2,795 anglers for fishing without a licence.
