Angling

Angling is a very popular hobby enjoyed by many people within the district. Rochford District Council would urge all residents to abide by the National and Regional fishing byelaws, which can be found on the Related Links at the bottom of this page.

In addition to this anglers should be aware that to fish for certain species of fish, they must have a rod licence. For information on who needs to obtain a rod licence and how to buy one online, please refer to the Environment Agency website in the Related Links at the bottom of this page. You can also purchase a rod licence from any post office or from the Environment Agency Telesales service on 08448005386.

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Rochford District Council recommends that anglers follow the code of practice based on the recommendations of the Medway report. The key recommendations being:-

1. The use of double and treble hooks should be kept to a minimum. These should be avoided entirely when the intention is to return the catch alive to the water.
2. Fish intended for food should be killed humanely.
3. Unhooking a fish humanely and safely is one of the most important skills for an angler to learn. All anglers should be equipped with, properly trained and use disgorgers.
4. Employment of the pike-gag should take fully into account the size of the fish for which it is used.
5. Barbless hooks should be favoured.
6. Holding periods in keep-nets should be as brief as possible.

Rochford District Council also urges all anglers to take advice and follow the good practice as set out in the Angling and Wildlife Golden Rules leaflet produced by the Environment Agency and available free from their local Environment Agency office or by telephoning 08708 506 506.

The Council also considers it essential that all fishing tackle is safely disposed of to prevent injury to both domestic and wild animals and that undersized fish should be returned to the water as quickly as possible.