Fishing Laws in the United Kingdom
The UK has adamantly supported the fight against illegal catching or harvesting of marine life for many years now. In fact, new by-laws have recently been proposed to regulate fishermen's activities in rivers and lakes inland as well as in British seashores, piers, beaches, and jetties. More important, laws are enforced to prevent the abuse of fish and stocks.
Traditionally, sea fishing is free in Britain's coastlines given that the fisherman adheres to certain conditions and that the place has public access. Some of the legalities that need to be met include the size of the fish caught, the manner of catching, and the size of the mesh of the nets.
On the other hand, only the owner of the land adjacent to the river, stream, or any non-tidal body of water has the exclusive fishing rights from his side of the bank up to the middle of the water. However, he is still subject to the general laws stated in the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act of 1975.
Finally, all anglers fishing for trout, salmon, coarse fish or eels are required to secure the appropriate licence, which can be acquired from local post offices and the Environmental Agency (EA) regional offices.
