Rod licence figures soared in 2020

The Environment Agency and the sport’s governing body, the Angling Trust, believe the rise was due to existing anglers embracing the opportunity to start fishing again, together with those who took up the sport for the first time or returned to the sport after a long absence – prompted by the pursuit of new hobbies during lockdown.

Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, said: “We are delighted to be witnessing something of a renaissance in angling with former anglers returning to the sport and newcomers trying fishing for the first time. In these difficult times we believe that our sport has much to offer in terms social, physical and economic wellbeing.”