In England and Wales the course fishing season is now under-way. The UK’s Environment Agency (the Government Department that, amongst other things, manages fisheries) sets the closed season, or no fishing season, from 15th March to 15th June inclusive each year. Outside this time fishing is allowed provided a valid rod licence issued by the Environment Agency (currently annual freshwater fishing, excluding salmon and trout, licences are £26 for adults and £5 for juniors under 12) is held. In many cases permission and a fee may be payable to the water owner.
So what’s the lure (if you’ll pardon the pun!) of fishing that makes it the most popular participant sport in the UK? Traditionally for recreational anglers it was a way to escape the hum-drum of daily life, a chance to be at one with nature. However, a recent survey in the US suggests that it is becoming an increasingly family recreational pastime. Other surveys have also found that obtaining food was way down the list compared with challenge of catching lots or large fish.
There are naturally certain equipment requirements to be met before undertaking course fishing for the first time, or indeed each time. Angling comes from the word angle or hook used in this type of fishing. As a minimum a rod, line, hook, bait and bite indicator (often a float) is required. A reel allows the line to be retrieved but it is also possible to fix the line to the end of the rod and use the combined length of rod and line to reach nearby fish. Often, for fishing from the bank, a basket is used to transport tackle and as a place to sit during the time waiting for a bite.
Primarily, for trout and salmon fishing a different technique is used. Fly fishing. Here an artificial dry fly is cast to remain afloat on the surface of the water mimicking the natural fly species of the local area. Also partly submerged and wet flies for submerged fishing can be used.
Due to the long fishing season it is a sport that can be practiced pretty much most of the year round. For this appropriate clothing is a must. Warm clothes for winter, light and airy for summer. Wellington boots or waders help when on muddy banks or in getting out to the shallow edges of the venue.