The latest round of the Angling Improvement Fund (AIF) focuses on support for clubs and fisheries that suffer with predation of fish stocks by mammals and fish-eating birds. A total of £150,000 of Rod Licence income is available to support successful applicants. With the fund now open for applications from clubs, fisheries or angling-related organisations until 17th May, we speak to one successful club that solved its own predation crisis with support from the AIF. We’re sitting in a sheltered swim at the side of Elms Lake on the edge of Rickmansworth town centre. It’s a secluded water that be ..read more

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In this guest blog presented by the Environment Agency, we highlight the latest Fisheries Annual Report which sets out how an angler’s rod licence fee is used to improve the sport. One of the most common questions you may hear any angler ask is, “What do I actually get for my licence fee?” The answer to this can be found in the Environment Agency’s (EA) Fisheries Annual Report 2022 to 2023 which was published just before Christmas. The latest report details that between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023, 903,216 fishing licences were sold which generated an income of £20,900,000 which was rei ..read more

The decline of salmon populations is gathering more and more public attention. To some, this may seem short sighted. Why should so much attention be given to one species when there is a global biodiversity crisis happening? Understandably, it could seem that salmon get more than their fair share of attention; no doubt in part because of their legacy as a gamefish and food fish. However, salmon populations are experiencing a precipitous decline, especially within their southern range, and require urgent action. Conservation efforts may be carried out in the name of one species, but that doesn’t ..read more

The angling club that put itself at risk to safeguard the future of an historic lake Park Mill is a stunningly beautiful 30-acre lake owned by the Haslemere Angling Society in West Sussex. It’s a classic estate lake, designed by the famous 18th century landscaper Capability Brown and, because of the rare plants on its site, is registered as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. (SSSI)   Mists at dawn Understandably, the Haslemere members are proud of their flagship venue. Its history is cherished, its SSSI status is protected by a membership programme of conservation and, as a part ..read more

If you’re a competent angler, you’re already on the way to becoming a registered coach. And now, thanks to changes in the qualification process, the pathway to making the jump – for those who want to leap – is easier than ever before. Have you ever thought about becoming an angling coach? Ever considered passing on your own knowledge to youngsters or general converts who might need some experienced guidance? Perhaps you’ve always thought that as an ‘average’ angler, there was no place within the pyramid of tutoring for someone like you? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any, or all these questions ..read more

Winter is here and we’re all aware it’s a little chilly at the water’s edge at this time of year.  Even so, there are anglers all over the country who are prepared to brave the weather and still go fishing. So what’s the best way of staying ahead of the temperature gauge and keeping warm while fishing this winter? The Angling Trust has pulled together the science and some associated practical advice to help you stay comfortable, warm, dry AND safe this winter. Preparation Comfort at the water’s edge begins at home. The first step towards safe and enjoyable winter fishing is a 2-point revi ..read more

‘Reel Education‘ is a project which takes angling into primary schools as part of the national curriculum. As a free resource, it’s been developed by the Angling Trust with support from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle and delivers the importance and value of our waterways and seas using angling as a primary driver. But how does it work in practice and how do schools get involved? We spoke to the scheme’s Engagement Initiators, Chris Holden & Neil Wylie. What is Reel Education all about?  “Reel Education is a project for primary schools. It’s been designed as a collaborative exercise with i ..read more

Imagine what it would be like to have an angling consultant at your permanent disposal. Someone amongst the crowd you could lean on to provide your club or fishery with general support, guidance and local direction when issues arose on the waters you fish. Such a service might provide information that you, as an individual angler could make positive use of too. Additionally, you might even be able to contribute information yourself and in turn, help others who have attached themselves to this regional ‘fount of all knowledge’. What we’re talking about here is a readily available, one-stop-shop ..read more

The story of a couple who have ploughed much of their personal savings into an angling and activity centre for the younger members of their local community. As an angler, I think it’s impossible for anyone to catch a fish with a rod and line and not smile. Whether it’s an unmistakable, ear-to-ear grin or an inward glow of private self-satisfaction, it has always felt to me that there simply MUST be a physical or emotional ray of sunshine attached to every moment of capture. Now imagine that feeling for a youngster who has yet to experience the thrill and psychological release that fishing can ..read more