There are a few rules that you need to adhere to when it comes to fishing seasons. Where you can fish and where, this will change according to the time of year.
What Do I Need to Know About Coarse Fishing?
Coarse fishing is the most easily accessible type of fishing for people in the UK. Coarse fishing, unlike game fishing, means you need to throw the fish you catch back into the water.
With game fishing, you can take the fish home to eat. It is called coarse fishing, due to the fish available in those waters being a historically ‘lesser fish’ than others, due to their rough skins.
When Is Close Season for Coarse Fishing?
Traditionally, on rives, the close season for coarse fishing will run from 15 arch until 15 June inclusive. This will apply to all rivers.
What Is Still Open to Fish During Close Season?
There are several options if you still wish to fish during the close season.
- any commercial fisheries will remain open
- Canals are open all year round
- Still, waters like reservoirs can be open year-round for fishing, and this will depend on the owner
Why Do We Have Coarse Fish Close Season?
The three months of close season is for a crucial reason. The Environmental Agency will run patrols to enforce the close season. There is a 24-hour hotline for incidents too.
The annual close season is put into action because it helps to protect fish stocks in England when they are spawning. This is achieved by preventing fishing for coarse fish in rivers, drains, specified canals, streams and other specified sites like SSSI still waters.
Do I Need a License to Coarse?
You need a license to fish on any public water. The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing rod fishing licenses.
Children under the age of 12 years old do not need a permit. Children between the age of 12-16 do need a license, but it is free. You can apply online for a license for one day, 8 days or an entire year.
You can get a coarse fish, eel licence only, trout, or a full license including sea trout and salmon for only £82 for a year.
What Do I Need to Start Coarse Fishing?
Coarse fishing is the most accessible type of fishing to get into. It is inexpensive for starters and child friendly too. Here is what you need to get started:
- Rod and reel are of course essential.
- A line with a breaking strain between 8-10lbs
- Loaded floats are ideal
- Split shot weights
- Hooks, a hook between 10-14 should do the trick. Pre-tied with a loop at the end will be the easiest to start with
- Plummet can be attached to your hook to measure the depth of the lake when setting your float position
- Landing net to help to get bigger fish on the bank easier
- Unhook mat will help protect the fish when you are unhooking
- Disgorger will help you unhook fish that have a hard to reach hook
- Scales to measure the weight of your fish
What Coarse Fish Can I Catch in the UK?
- Grayling
- Gudgeon
- Pike
- Roach
- Ruffe
- Tench
- Zander
- Chub
- Eel
- Catfish
- Carp
- Beam
- Barbel
You will need to research how to catch these fish though.