Got your Rod Licence?

Any Angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England, (exept the river Tweed), Wales, or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod licence.

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• Bring the fish to the boat or bank firmly and quickly
• Use a line or cast that allows you to do this. The Environment Agency suggests that in general 12lbs breaking strain would be a minimun and 15lbs or more when the river is up
• Move the fish out of the fast current if you can

• Keep the fish in the water. Recent research shows that Salmon exposed to air have a lower chance of survival once returned. The Environment Agency advises fish to be kept in the water at all times
• Dont use a tailer (or gaff which is now illegal)
• Dont beach the fish
• Use your hands or when you need to use a net - use a big one and make sure it has a soft knotless mesh. Abrasion can lead to infection

• Wet your hands
• Keep the fish in the water
• Be gentle, do not squeeze the fish
• Take extra care with fresh fish, particulary early in the season as they are more prone to damage to fungal infection
• Remove the hook gently, forceps can help so keep them close to hand when you are fishing
• if the fish is deep hooked - cut the line as close to the hook as possible (have your clippers or scissors handy) These fish do survive

 

• Avoid weighing the fish - estimate the weight
• A photograph provides a record of your catch but keep the fish in the water
• Support the fish steadily, in a current facing upstream
• be patient - a tired fish needs your help, but minimise handling
• Give the fish time to recover and swim away on its own