Fishing licence sales across England and Wales have got off to a strong stat for the new season, despite price increases as the weather has been favourable along with a string of initiatives like the ATA’s Take A Friend Fishing.

The Environment Agency reports that licences sales for April were 18.18 per cent up in total on the same period last year with most categories enjoying growth, yielding a 14.87 per cent rise in income.

It also revealed that unique angler numbers are up 20.5 per cent on the same point last year with 155,695 anglers compared to 129,173.

At the same time, the EA had implemented the final price increase on licences as part of a three-year incremental rise in duty from the Government back in December 2022, meaning the price of a full annual two-rod coarse and non-migratory trout has gone up from £35.80 to £36.80.

The EA said the strong start is likely to be down to several factors. The weather in April has been dry, sunny and at times very warm, compared to last April when it was truly miserable. In addition, Easter this year fell in April as opposed to March last year, which meant more people were on holiday or off school.

The EA is planning a further short-term licence upsell mailer this month (May), designed to target anyone who bought a short-term licence in April, encouraging them to switch to a full licence and make the most of spring/summer.

It has also released a new PR film promoting the rod licence campaign shot with ex-England cricketer Phil Tufnell. The film and other edited cutdowns are being broadcast widely through social media and an associated press release has picked some great media interest.

Meanwhile, the EA Fisheries teams have taken delivery of rod licence posters which have been distributed to fisheries and tackle shops.