Rod Fishing Licence - Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the rod licence, as well as the different types of licence available and where to buy them.
Do I need a rod licence?
Anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to fish for freshwater fish and eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk region of Scotland requires a rod licence to fish with a rod and line. If you are fishing for coarse fish with 3 or 4 rods then you need two licences.
Where can I buy my rod licence?
Rod licences are available from Post Office outlets throughout England and Wales, online, by direct debit and over the telephone on 0844 800 5386. The phone line is open from 8.30am to 8.00pm daily from March to September and 8.30am to 6.30pm from October to February.
When will my licence run out?
If you buy a full licence it will run out on the 31st March unless you have bought a new season licence in advance. 1-day licences are valid for 24 hours from the start time and 8-day licences are valid for 192 consecutive hours from the start time.
How soon after buying my rod licence can I fish?
If you have bought a full licence for this season you are covered to go fishing immediately. You will receive a till receipt (from Post Office branches) or confirmation e-mail (for online or telephone purchases) to confirm that your purchase has been successfully processed. If you have bought a 1 or 8-day licence you can fish from the start date. Again, you will receive a till receipt or confirmation e-mail to confirm that your purchase has been successfully processed.
When will I receive my licence?
Licences are not posted for 1 and 8-day licences. Full licences are sent out within a couple of days of you buying the licence. If you have not received your licence seven days after buying it then please call us on 08708 506 506 and we can look into this for you.
I have bought a trout and coarse rod licence and want to fish for salmon, do I need to buy a new licence?
It is possible to upgrade your trout and coarse licence to a salmon and sea trout licence throughout the year. To upgrade your licence you must take it to a Post Office branch. You’ll need to pay the difference in cost between the licences. The Post Office will keep your trout and coarse licence and a salmon and sea trout licence will be posted to you.
Can I get a concessionary rod licence?
Concessions are available for juniors aged between 12 and 16 years old, seniors aged 65 years and over and disabled anglers who are in receipt of a Blue Badge or Disability Living Allowance. Your eligibility for a concession may be checked against the information you provide as part of the application process.
I have receive a renewal letter in the post. How do I renew my rod licence?
If you have received a renewal letter in the post check that all the details are correct. If they are then either take your letter with you when you go to the Post office, or choose the renewal option online and over the telephone. You will be able to renew your licence without having to provide all your details again. If your details on the letter are incorrect then you will need to buy a licence by providing your details again. This will ensure we have the correct details for you on our database. You do not need to keep your renewal letter after renewing your licence.
Do I need a renewal letter to buy a licence?
No, not at all. If you have not received a renewal letter or don’t have it to hand when you are renewing you can still buy a licence online. You will just need to input your name and address details.
I have lost my rod licence and need a replacement, what do I do now?
If you have lost your rod licence or it has been destroyed then you can get a replacement licence. To get a replacement you will need to call us on 08708 506 506. There is a £5 (£1 for juniors) charge for a replacement licence payable by debit/ credit card, cheque or postal order.
I have changed my name and address, what do I do now?
If you change your name and address details please let us know by calling our National Customer Contact Centre on 08708 506 506 so that we can update our records.
I want a refund on my rod licence, is this possible?
Rod licences are non-refundable unless they have been bought in error and are returned to us immediately following purchase. To apply for a refund please send your rod licence along with a covering letter explaining why you want the refund to:
Rod Licences
National Customer Contact centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY