Q. My 6 year old wants to go fishing, Will I need a rod licence to ......

[jim@fish-uk]

Question I got from a visitor to my site.  Dont get caught!


Q. My 6 year old wants to go fishing, Will I need a rod licence to take him and teach him.

I made enquiries with the Environment Agency regards this and the answer is as follows.
Quote: Your son does not need to have a rod licence as he is under 12 years old.
However: ...If you are holding the rod, even if your holding the rod with your son, and the line goes into the water then technically you are fishing and need a rod licence

Personally I think this is a ridiculous law and should be revised.

 www.fish-uk.com

[rickgrimsby]

I suppose they have to do that to stop people making excuses for not having a licence. face it mate...it could be used as a loophole.

[jim@fish-uk]

I agree it could be used as a loophole Rick.  But I cant see a serious angler taking his/her 6 year old fishing with him every time?  I asked the EA, why they couldn't bring out a licence for say a fiver, that states the licence is only to be used when teaching / accompanying a child under 14. "I can't comment on that" was the reply

Jim
www.fish-uk.com

[rickgrimsby]

I know what youre saying fella. i sometimes fancy having a go at pike fishing but am put off by the licence thing. i only want to try! Its just life nowadays im afraid. I did used to go dreshwater fishing for years, and in all that time was never asked to show a licence even though i did have one then. You take your chances i guess. That was the main reason i took up sea angling in the end...no licence (as yet) no permit needed...no book for this stretch and another for one a mile down the river......no day ticket....sheer bliss!