Registration is now open for the ATA’s Take a Friend Fishing initiative for winter, designed to boost participation and industry growth for UK recreational angling.

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.

Now TAFF registration is 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.”