Angling Trust Release Updates on Upcoming Changes to Fishing in England

This entry was posted on 17th March, 2021 by Anna Cooper

It is the news we have all been waiting for! On the evening of 16 March 2021, Angling Trust stated that after “intense discussions with government officials” they could confirm that all forms of angling including night fishing, charter boat angling and match fishing will be able to resume from March 29th under new Covid guidance for the return of outdoor sports and recreation.

Jamie Cook, Angling Trust’s CEO commented:

“Following our Fishing out of Lockdown submission to the Cabinet Office in February we have been pressing for the lifting of the restrictions placed upon angling … I’m pleased that the multiple benefits that angling delivers have again been acknowledged and that we can all look forward to a return to the angling opportunities we were able to enjoy last summer and autumn.”

View Information on Angling Trust’s Fishing Out of Lockdown Appeal here.

What Can Angler’s Do from 29^th March 2021?

Due to the similarities to common other outdoor sports, such as golf, the Angling Trust is compiling guidelines to help anglers, clubs and fisheries prepare for a full return of angling at the end of March, meaning clearer information is yet to come and will be published on the Sport England website.

Changes to Angling from 29^th March:

Night fishing is allowed with no time limits on outdoor recreation.
Charter boat angling is allowed.
Match fishing is allowed with limited gatherings (only include participants – not spectators).
Fishing is permitted as outdoor recreation/ exercise for up to 6 people, OR in a larger group if everyone present is from the same two households/ support bubble.
Going on a fishing holiday/fishing camping trip remains prohibited until April 12^th.
As the statutory stay at home restriction will be lifted you will still be encouraged to minimize travel outside of your local area.
Tackle shops will reopen for more services from April 12^th
Fisheries offering self-contained accommodation i.e. campsites and holiday lets can reopen April 12^th

Angling Trust Head of Policy, Martin Salter comments on why Match Fishing can resume.

“The civil servants recognized that match fishing to the Angling Trust guidelines doesn’t constitute ‘a gathering’ and could resume safely.

Martin Salter was also pleased to confirm Anglers can fish nights again soon:

“Night fishing was always going to be tricky ahead of the promised return of camping on April 12th but I’m pleased that the distinction with ‘fishing into or through the night’ has been recognised and that these anglers can now enjoy the Easter break.”