I was looking at some of the sites listed in the Accomodation section on http://www.go-fishing.co.uk and I came across a site in Devon that claimed "No National Rod Licence required" to fish their waters. I mailed them asking why they thought their waters were exempt from the licence and their response surprised me. They state that

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this is because in this region of the Environment Agency, commercial fisheries like ours are offered a 'block license' which we pay annually the cost of which is included in the day ticket charges. It particularly suits are fishery as we are situated in a concentrated 'touristy' area where we get many beginners and 'once-a year' anglers. It saves them having to buy one and it saves the EA having to send their bailiffs around regularly. Everyone wins exept us who have to pay for it!

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Has anybody else ever come across this before??

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Hi David

This sounds like a really good idea. I was taking to one of the baliffs for norfolk the other day - a really nice guy who does a major job with only 10 staff. Anyways, I asked him what the biggest problem was that they encounter and it was the holiday caravan park problem where 80% of the people are fishing without a licence. It apparently takes a massive amount of time and effort to go round these parks and resources due to the number of people who transit through the camps.

seems like a sensible solution to me....

Andy

David,
I was wondering what the response would be to your question. Nothing I guess
In the US some states have the "block" system available. Used mostly for venues where tourists will fish for maybe a couple hours for an outrageous fee.
Phone
The worst (most expensive) license in the US is Lousiana (at least it is the most I've seen) $150.00 for a non-resident.

I am not sure whether they still do these block licenses, but it is quite illuminating that 80% of the holidaying public are unaware that you need a license to fish.

We have a situation with cannabis at the moment whereby because policing the use has become almost impossible so it will be decriminalised.
If 80% of holidaymakers are fishing without licenses then perhaps it would be far more cost effective to let them get on with it for a week or so, they may actually get the bug and become anglers of the future.

This prompts the question "why do we have to have a license to fish?"

I will put my point of view that far more people would actually go fishing if they did not have to buy a license.

Den

Sorry - someone mailed me the answer direct (Thank you Dennis) and I forgot to post it here :-

Section 25(7) of Salmon & Freshwater Fishery Act 1975 Allows the issue of general licences the price & conditions are agreed on a licence by licence basis and are available for all waters if you are a fishery owner/angling club.