Where can I fish in London for free?
Fishing the River Thames in Greater London Fishing on the River Thames is free all the way up to Staines and following improvements in water quality there are now plenty of fish. However, the size of the river in London can be rather daunting unless you have the time to figure out the best places to fish. Unlike coarse and game angling there is no licence required to fish recreationally for sea fish in the UK. Permits to fish may be required in specific locations such as those that are privately owned, such as piers, harbours etc.You need permission from the land or fishery owner to fish in the area, as well as a rod fishing licence. The permission you need is usually a fishing permit. For example, to fish in locks or weirs on the River Thames you need a lock and weir fishing permit.Licences and Permits More specifically, you’ll need a Trout and Coarse Rod Licence, which will let you take on all of London’s fish species. You can buy a one-day licence for £7. However, a £36.Fishing without a valid licence can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and the confiscation of equipment. Environment Agency officers regularly patrol waters to check for compliance, so it’s always best to ensure you have the correct licence before heading out.
Do you need a license to fish in London?
You must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in: England (except the River Tweed) Wales. Border Esk region, including the parts of the river that are in Scotland. What if I get caught without a rod licence? If you are caught by an Environment Agency Fisheries Bailiff or a police officer, and are found guilty by a magistrate, then you’ll get a fine (under Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1975) which can be up to £2,500.
Do I need a rod licence for sea fishing in the UK?
Unlike coarse and game angling there is no licence required to fish recreationally for sea fish in the UK. Permits to fish may be required in specific locations such as those that are privately owned, such as piers, harbours etc. The main rule to be aware of is that sea anglers cannot keep fish that are below the minimum size. You could be prosecuted if you break this law so make sure to check the sea angler’s size limit chart for the rules in your area, this is the same when checking the rules for the waters you are in.You’re only allowed to keep a certain amount of the fish you catch. These fish must also be of a certain size. You must return fish you cannot keep to the water unharmed. You’re committing an offence and can be fined if you take too many fish or fish that are not the right size.In the strict legal sense, the public only has a right to fish for free in the officially recognised fully tidal parts of rivers and in the sea, except where an individual owns a private right of fishery.Legally speaking, the public’s right to fish for free is limited to officially recognised fully tidal parts of rivers and the sea. Exceptions to this right exist when an individual holds a private right of fishery.
Is it worth getting a fishing license in the UK?
You must always carry your rod fishing licence when you’re fishing or you could be prosecuted! Anglers who fish without a rod licence could be fined up to £2,500, so it really is worth the investment. The penalties for fishing without a licence can be severe The penalties for being found to be fishing without a licence can be severe – you can be fined up to £2,500 under Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1975.
Can I fish in canals in the UK?
Reservoirs, lakes and ponds (‘enclosed stillwaters’) and canals. You can fish for coarse fish, eels, rainbow trout and brown trout on most enclosed stillwaters and canals all year. Read the local byelaws to check your area. The River Lee is also home to a variety of coarse fish species, including bream, roach, perch and pike. Tench are less common but can be found in quieter backwaters. Fish the River Lee at Coachford near the Inniscarra Dam which is known for its rich fish population and organized fishing areas.OUR CLUB WATERS: RIVER LEE NAVIGATION (Waltham Abbey, Essex to Tottenham Marshes, London). Fish stocks include Carp, Chub, Bream, Roach, Tench, Rudd, Perch, Pike, Dace, Gudgeon and Bleak. No closed season on these waters.Coarse (freshwater) fish Each day you can only take from rivers: 1 pike (up to 65cm) 2 grayling (30cm to 38cm) 15 small fish (up to 20cm) including barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch, rudd, silver bream, roach, smelt and tench.