Environment Agency unveils new rod licence images to promote legal fishing
The Environment Agency unveils new designs by renowned angling and wildlife artist, David Miller for this year’s rod licences
New designs for 2015/16 rod licences by renowned wildlife artist, David Miller
Designed by renowned angling and wildlife artist, David Miller, the new rod licences go on sale today (Monday 2 March). The image on this year’s coarse fishing rod licence is a crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and the non-coarse is a salmon (Salmo salar). Last year David’s artwork featured on a range of sustainable fish stamps for the Royal Mail.
Sarah Chare, head of fisheries at the Environment Agency, said:
“Rod licence income is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of anglers. We want more people to go fishing this year and everyone who does will need one of these licences. We’re delighted to see David’s stunning designs yet again which promote the beauty of our natural environment and encourage people to give fishing a go.”
David Miller, the artist who designed the rod licence, said:
“Designing this year’s rod licence combines 2 of my passions: fishing and art. The Environment Agency does a fantastic job and I’m proud to be supporting rod licence sales with my artwork.”
At £27 for coarse fishing and non-migratory trout, or £72 to also fish for salmon and sea trout, the annual licence is great value for money. There are flexible options to choose from too: a 1-day or 8-day licence or the full season. There are also junior and concession options.
You can buy a rod licence online from the Post Office here, at your local Post Office or by phoning 0344 800 5386.
Buying a rod licence online from the Post Office website is easy, and saves both time and administration costs, meaning that more of the income can be spent on improving fish stocks and fishing. Always ensure that you buy direct from the Post Office because there are some unofficial websites which charge a handling fee.
Anyone fishing illegally is cheating other licence paying anglers, can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. In 2013/ 2014 the Environment Agency checked 80,000 rod licences and prosecuted 2,795 anglers for fishing without a licence.