Having pointed out on more than one occasion recently how much cheaper
a lot of modern, decent quality fishing tackle is now compared to years
ago, this does not mean that I do not understand how costly other aspects
of the sport can be when all relevant costs are added up.
I am prompted to write in this way by reports of astronomical sums of
money that are tipped to be introduced soon where fishing licenses are
concerned.
At present full licenses to fish for coarse fish and non-migratory trout
cost £24.50 a year for adult anglers with discounts for retired
or disabled anglers costing half that price at £12.25.
However, the Environment Agency is considering what to charge next year.
Apparently though full yearly rod licenses will only go up to £25
concessionary licenses will probably rise to £16.75 for pensioners
and the disabled, a rise in price of £4.50 if the proposals go through.
If you are an angler who goes fishing just once a week with half your
outings after coarse fish and half for trout, and if you fish on a day
ticket basis rather than on expensive (but very worth while) season membership
the cost per year is frightening.
Let us say that you pay about £5 a day for coarse fishing, and that
you trout fish from the bank only rather than from boats with engines,
and you only buy the cheapest catch and release permits at between £12
and £15 a day. In a year your outlay will be about £500.
Add travelling expenses, even if your trips are sometimes not of long
distances, plus replacement of sundry tackle items, and bait, and we are
looking at something like an outlay of around £1,500 a year.
Aim to fish twice a week and the costs are beyond some anglers. Well worth
the money for those of us who can afford it, but a real worry to some
pensioners.