Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 edition of Take A Friend Fishing, promising to put even more new anglers on the bank after the success of its winter campaign.
Spring 2026 TAFF takes place from Friday, April 3rd to Sunday, April 19th inclusive, offering more weekends and more opportunities for you to go fishing and create those long-lasting friendships and memories.
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.
The Spring break and Easter holiday gives anglers the perfect excuse to unwind, be with friends and interact with the environment. Taking a friend or family member on a fishing trip is a great way to spend time outdoors. Escaping modern life to build friendships, create lasting memories and just enjoy some time next to the water, is the ultimate in relaxation.
Now TAFF registration has gone live, interest parties can simply select the date of their fishing trip, enter some basic information about them and their friend, and that’s it!
The free fishing licence will be sent with a confirmation email, so please remember to have your fishing licence and both people’s email addresses plus a few other details handy when you pre-register to Take a Friend Fishing.
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 chairman Andrew Race said: “I am looking forward to the 2026 TAFF Spring 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.”
While John W Ellis, National Fisheries and Angling Manager at the 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 2026. Our Trust is responsible for looking after over 2000 miles of canal fishery and over 70 reservoirs.
“Over 8 million people live within 1000 metres of one of our fisheries and nearly 50% 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 on our waters or participating via our Let’s Fish programme.”
