Changes to UK Fishing Rod Licences 2024

Illustrated Fishing Rod Licences Scrapped

Starting from the 31st May 2024, fishermen will be able to choose to obtain a fishing licence through email, text message, or a standard A4 letter. They will no longer be given illustrated, plastic-coated fishing licence cards.

David Miller Artwork

Over the past 15 years, fishermen have been given rod licence cards featuring drawings that depict some of the most well-known fish species in the UK, such as the gudgeon and the perch. David Miller, an artist, has offered this service to the EA, enhancing rod licencing with his artistic touch.

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager, said:

“We understand the popularity of the images on our rod licence cards amongst anglers, and want to thank David Miller for his unique and inspirational illustrations over the years.”

David Miller’s Website: https://www.davidmillerart.co.uk/

Fishing Rod Licence Savings Re-invested

All of the £230,000 that is saved from the reduced costs of printing rod licences will be put back into the Environment Agency’s fisheries activities. In the previous year, over £21 million of revenue from rod licences was utilised to enhance the fisheries and angling facilities in England. This included activities like constructing fish passes, stocking fish, and enhancing fish habitats.

Since 2021, over one million digital licences have been issued to anglers, helping to reduce waste and progress the Environment Agency towards carbon net zero targets.

Anglers who purchase a rod licence after the 31 May will receive the new paper rod licence unless they choose to go digital. Direct Debit customers’ licences are issued before the service change is implemented; therefore, they will receive the same illustrated card as issued in 2023.

Buying a Rod Licence: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence