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THE CANAL AND RIVER TRUST’S FREE LET'S FISH IN THE BLACK COUNTRY DECEMBER 2025

6/12/2025

Want to try out fishing for the first time to see if it’s a hobby you would enjoy? Or maybe you just need a bit more knowledge to give you confidence to be able to fish on your own.

Whatever your reasons, the Canal and River Trust will get you catching in no time. Fishing is a great way to relax and spend time outdoors with your family.

Whether you've never fished before or you fished as a youngster and now want to get back into it, find out more about the Canal and River Trust’s award-winning, free let's fish! Events.

Click On The Below Event To Register

Free Let's Fish! - Brierley Hill

Dudley Canal Brierley Hill

Monday, Dec 22 from 10 am to 3:30 pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-lets-fish-brierley-hill-22122025-tickets-1968711930380

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TAKE A FRIEND FISHING IS BACK FOR CHRISTMAS

6/12/2025

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The Angling Trust in partnership with the Angling Trades Association and Environment Agency are pleased to announce the return of Take a Friend Fishing.
Due to its massive success throughout 2025, Take a Friend Fishing is here for the Christmas holidays.

This festive fishing period covers 20th December to 4th January to take a friend fishing, including Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year – traditional dates for a get-together.

Anglers with a current valid fishing licence can register for a FREE one day Environment Agency fishing licence worth £6 – £12 to take a friend, family member or colleague fishing.

It's great sign that angling is as popular as ever, and still just as easy to get into, especially with a friend to show you how. Now, Take a Friend Fishing is back for Christmas, giving even more people the chance to get out fishing!

Get fishing – relax and lower the stress level during what can be a busy time of year for many people. Angling is the perfect fit for staying active outdoors, and with physical activity playing a vital role in both our physical and mental wellbeing, a fishing trip with a mate or family member means you can stay active, and fish safely.

To register a free licence go to https://takeafriendfishing.co.uk/register-free-friend-fishing-licence

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IRATE FISHERMAN WHO 'SHOUTED AND SWORE' IN 30-MINUTE RANT LANDS BIG FINE

5/12/2025

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An irate fisherman from the West Midlands who 'shouted and swore' during a 30-minute rant over a rod licence has been landed with a big fine.
Jason Ball, 29, from Stone, Staffordshire, had been approached by an Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer at Trent & Mersey Canal, Stone, when the row erupted on January 15.

He refused to give his name and address when asked to show his rod licence. Mr Ball was in possession of a fishing rod, but not a licence to use it.

The Environment Agency said he became very aggressive with no regard for the alarm he was causing to people nearby.
He eventually gave his name and address when Staffordshire Police arrived to deal with the disturbance.

Mr Ball was found guilty of threatening behaviour and possession of an unlicensed fishing rod during a hearing at North Staffordshire Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates Court on December 1.

He was fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £1,070 with a victim surcharge of £264. It brought the legal bill to £1,994.

Speaking after the case, Alex McWhirter, an Environment Agency Fisheries team leader, said: “By law, you must buy a rod licence before you go fishing. Failure to do so could land you with a substantial fine and a criminal record.

“And we take cases of threatening and abusive behaviour very seriously, and will always prosecute anyone who behaves in this way.”

A one-day fishing licence costs from as little as £7.30, and all rod licence income is invested back into work to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.

Angling clubs, local councils and community organisations can also apply for project grants from the rod licence-funded Fisheries Improvement Programme.

All rod licences can be easily bought online at the GOV.UK website here.
Suspected illegal fishing can be reported to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

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THE CANAL AND RIVER TRUST’S FREE LET'S FISH IN THE BLACK COUNTRY DECEMBER 2025

TAKE A FRIEND FISHING IS BACK FOR CHRISTMAS

IRATE FISHERMAN WHO 'SHOUTED AND SWORE' IN 30-MINUTE RANT LANDS BIG FINE

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