Anglers can now sign up for an annual rod licence subscription via a dedicated “Get a fishing licence” website run by the Government.
This improvement to the sales service has come about largely in response to feedback from anglers across Wales and England wanting a simple automatic renewal system to avoid having to remember to buy a licence every year.

For both the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales,  the service will result in greater efficiencies, thus freeing up income to invest in Fisheries in Wales and England.

It will also help stabilise income and help reduce the numbers of anglers not renewing in some years.

Ben Wilson, NRW’s principal fisheries advisor, said: “This is a big step forward and one which will be of benefit to anglers and fisheries.

“We would encourage as many anglers as possible to sign up, however, we appreciate not all anglers will want to do so and the option to buy for just one year will remain.

“Rod licence sales have been increasing in recent years, and we are confident this new initiative will help further increase sales as well as improving the service for licence holders”.

By early November around 1,100 anglers had already signed up for a subscription, which is far more than anticipated given most anglers renew in March and April.

A subscription can be cancelled at any time by phoning the Environment Agency, however, in the near future there will be an option to cancel via the website.

www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence