 Carp anglers could be allowed up to four rods on one licence, as the EA discusses radical changes to the current system | A new rod licensing system that could see carp and specimen anglers allowed to use multi-rod set-ups without having to pay twice is under discussion. In what would be the biggest shake-up in modern history, the Environment Agency is considering scrapping the Environment Agency is considering scrapping the current regime in the wake of fierce criticism from the big-fish community. |
A 365 day licence instead of the current April 1st to March 31st set-up and the scrapping of junior licences is also being debated as part of ongoing dialogue with the Angling Trust.
The Agency is obliged to review the way it administers rod licences every five years. And with a current Angling Trust survey indicating that many in the carp and specimen world are angry that they have to pay for two licences when wanting to fish with more than two rods, drastic change could be on the way.
But this may lead to a significant price hike for all anglers, with senior EA officials warning that ‘the review may also affect the cost of rod licences, which have remained the same for five years.’.
Simon Crow, editor of Carp-Talk and boasting more than twenty years’ experience working in the carp fishing trade, said: ”The majority of fisheries up and down the country allow carp anglers to use a maximum of three rods. It therefore seems a waste that we need to buy two two-rod licences to cater for this. It would be so much more user friendly if a single rod licence was introduced to cater for this.”
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust & Fish Legal added: ”One of the most important parts of the Angling Trust’s job is to represent the views of anglers to the Environment Agency and government. We need to find a workable way forward that is fairer to carp and specimen anglers without impacting significantly on the funds that pay for the vital work of the Agency’s fisheries department.”
While Sarah Chare, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology from the Environment Agency said:
“The Environment Agency is starting a review of rod licence arrangements that will not come into effect until April 2016. This review may also affect the cost of rod licences, which have remained at the same level for the last 5 years.
“As part of this review we are talking with the Angling Trust and other partners to understand the views of the angling groups they represent. Within government rules we will be seeking the fairest deal for anglers that secures the best future for angling through the services the Environment Agency delivers both directly and through the partners we fund.”
But this may lead to a significant price hike for all anglers, with senior EA officials warning that ‘the review may also affect the cost of rod licences, which have remained the same for five years.’.
Simon Crow, editor of Carp-Talk and boasting more than twenty years’ experience working in the carp fishing trade, said: ”The majority of fisheries up and down the country allow carp anglers to use a maximum of three rods. It therefore seems a waste that we need to buy two two-rod licences to cater for this. It would be so much more user friendly if a single rod licence was introduced to cater for this.”
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust & Fish Legal added: ”One of the most important parts of the Angling Trust’s job is to represent the views of anglers to the Environment Agency and government. We need to find a workable way forward that is fairer to carp and specimen anglers without impacting significantly on the funds that pay for the vital work of the Agency’s fisheries department.”
While Sarah Chare, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology from the Environment Agency said:
“The Environment Agency is starting a review of rod licence arrangements that will not come into effect until April 2016. This review may also affect the cost of rod licences, which have remained at the same level for the last 5 years.
“As part of this review we are talking with the Angling Trust and other partners to understand the views of the angling groups they represent. Within government rules we will be seeking the fairest deal for anglers that secures the best future for angling through the services the Environment Agency delivers both directly and through the partners we fund.”
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