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Angling

Angling is the sport of catching fish with a rod, line, and hook.

See Also:
Fishing

An Overview of Angling

Angling is a method of fishing by means of an "angle" (fish hook). The hook is usually attached to a fishing line and the line is often attached to a fishing rod.

Angling can be exciting and competition at the highest levels is fierce. It can also be very relaxing - often fishing sites are in tranquil settings, so its ideal if you're looking to unwind and lower your blood pressure. It's a perfect sport for people of all ages.

Angling is an excellent pastime for young people; it teaches them to concentrate, to interpret their surroundings, to visualise the invisible and to learn about triumph and disaster. It is something people can do throughout their lives in groups of any size, or enjoy by themselves.

Coarse Angling is the most popular type of angling in England and most people live within a few miles of a river, canal, lake or pond where they can catch coarse fish. The main techniques are float fishing, ledgering and spinning, and different rods are used for each technique.

Float fishing involves a float made of cork, quill, wood or plastic which lets the angler know when a fish takes the bait.

Sea Angling is one of the largest participation sports in the UK. Seas angling takes place on beaches, harbours, piers, and from boats both close to the shore and offshore over wrecks.

Game Angling is a skilful sport which requires patience and practice. There are game fishing sites across the country both in the countryside and closer to cities.

Benefits

  • Improves muscle dexterity through reeling and casting
  • Increase your vitamins D levels while your outside
  • Relaxes your mind

Costs

You need a fishing rod licence to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt and eel with a rod and line in England (except the River Tweed), Wales and the Border Esk region of Scotland. a 1 day license starts at £3.75 and fishing rods start at £9.99

Involvement

Visit the Get Fishing website to find out how to get involved with angling.

Adaptations and Equipment

Basic equipment includes: rod and reel, line, a bobber, hooks and bait.

Facts

  • When fishing was first discovered, it was used as a way to find food for themselves and the person's family. The rods that were used were basically sticks, while others may have used spears in order to catch the fish.

Find Angling Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

Angling Trust

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Email
admin@anglingtrust.net
Contact Telephone
0844 7700616
Angling

Cranbrook And District Angling Club

Cranbrook & District Angling Club, a friendly fishing club, situated in the Weald of Kent, offers excellent fishing in Kent and Sussex for all types of fishermen whether it is carp fishing, match fishing, specimen angling or simply pleasure angling on a w

Fisheries Improvement Programme 2025

Fisheries Improvement Programme 2025

5:00pm - Fri 31st January, 2025

In 2024 the Environment Agency will reinvest about £1.1M in projects to support clubs, fisheries and other partners to improve local fish stocks and angling opportunities.