The ATA’s Take a Friend Fishing initiative is set to take place again, boosting participation and industry growth for UK recreational angling through the winter.

The winter TAFF will run from Saturday, December 20th to Sunday, January 4th 2026 inclusive, offering more opportunity than ever to get out fishing with a friend during this extended festive campaign.

Take a Friend Fishing continues to grow and existing fishing licence holders can register for a FREE one-day fishing licence from the Environment Agency at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk to take someone they know fishing.

With the pressures of modern life, physical health and mental wellbeing are more important than ever. The experience of a fishing trip together with a work colleague, family member, partner or just a mate, offers the ideal opportunity to unwind and recharge your battery, whilst being active at the same time.

Getting outside in the countryside is a great way to be together with family and friends and angling is the perfect fit for staying active outdoors, especially during the winter months.

Our fisheries are perfect to visit for a catch-up with a friend during a quick Take a Friend Fishing trip together.

When TAFF registration goes live, participants simply select the date of their fishing trip, enter some basic information about them and their friend, and they‘re all set. The free fishing licence will be sent with a confirmation email.

Take a Friend Fishing is an initiative run by Angling Trades Association and its members in association with the Environment Agency and supported by DEFRA, Angling Trust, Canal & River Trust and many angling and other organisations with a vested interest in angling, recreation, the environment and wellbeing.

ATA chair Andrew Race said: “I am looking forward to the 2025/6 TAFF New Year’s window and the chance to get out on the water with friends. Take a Friend Fishing is making a difference, to the long-term development of angling recruitment. It makes angling accessible and enjoyable.”

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager added: “Fishing with family members or friends is a fantastic way to spend quality time together whilst also enjoying all that nature has to offer. Take a Friend Fishing is a brilliant campaign that allows anglers of all levels the ability to improve their skills or simply give fishing a try – and I’m proud to again be supporting this initiative that makes this great hobby more accessible for all.”

John W Ellis, National Fisheries and Angling Manager Canal & River Trust, said “Canal & River Trust is delighted to be working alongside the Angling Trade Association to support the Take a Friend fishing initiative in 2025/6. Our Trust is responsible for looking after over 2000 miles of canal fishery and over 70 reservoirs.

“Over eight million people live within 1km of one of our fisheries and nearly 50 oer cent of the population within five miles of one. We will be encouraging members of the 275 angling clubs who rent water from us to help their club grow membership by taking a friend fishing participating via our Let’s Fish programme.”