Browse: Environment and countryside A to Z. Note: Information in the main section lists further rules and regulations about environmental management and countryside legislation in the United Kingdom. Beach fishing can be as simple as a walk along the beach on a clear warm summer’s day spinning for Mackerel or an action packed adventure fishing the flood on a surf beach at night for bass in the pitch black with the waves crashing on the sand.
Although sea fishing does not require a licence all sea fish have a minimum landing size (in order to protect stocks) and several species are protected by law, meaning anglers must return any which are caught. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, Commercial fishing, fisheries and vessels, Section A: Principal acts relating to sea fishing, Section B: Access to British fishery limits, Section C: Legislation applicable in Welsh and Northern Irish zones, Section D: Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) legislation, Section E: Technical measures for the conservation of fisheries resources , Section F: Total allowable catch (TAC) and quota regulations, Section G: Deep Water and highly migratory species regulations, Section J: Marine environmental protection and habitats regulations, Fishing offences: Penalties and inspections, Landing Obligation 2019 - Rules and regulations, Wildlife, animals, biodiversity and ecosystems, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases. The Blue Book does not contain comprehensive UK legislation applicable to Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish waters.
In areas where freshwater anglers are targeting freshwater species side by side with anglers using sea fishing gear to catch sea fish species the issue can become extremely complicated indeed – sometimes there are signs stating that an anglers fishing in an area need licences, often there is not.
Fishing marks further inland and out of tidal waters may well require a licence and anglers fishing without one will be risking the £2500 fine – even if they claim to be using sea fishing tactics/equipment to target saltwater species.
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The species listed below have some form of protection under UK law, but please note this list is no exhaustive and anglers should always make sure that they have the right to retain any fish they catch.
– These species require a freshwater fishing licence if they are to be retained, regardless of where they are caught. Silver Eels (Anguilla anguilla) – Protected species due to declining numbers which must be returned alive to the sea if caught by anglers.
The Scallop Fishing (England) Order 2012 added.
The … This page explains fishing rights and lists the laws that govern fishing in England and Wales.
Beaches are one of the most popular fishing destinations in the UK and it is not difficult to see why – many feature easy access, snag free fishing and a multitude of different species to catch. All piers around the UK are private property. Similarly harbours, breakwaters and ports around the UK may ban or restrict angling, and there are a small number of private beaches and marine protected areas which anglers cannot fish, plus councils can bring in their own restrictions.
FISHING RULES UK: This informative section covers the United Kingdom fishing laws and byelaws.
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