UK Rod License Sales: 2021–2022 Season Statistics
According to the Environment Agency (England & Wales) and Scottish Government, rod license sales for the 2021–2022 season (April 1 – March 31) were:
| Region | Licenses Sold |
|---|
| England & Wales | ~1.5 million |
| Scotland | ~175,000 |
| Total (Great Britain) | ~1.675 million |
Context
- Licenses required for freshwater fishing (salmon, trout, coarse fish, eel) by anyone 13+ in England/Wales; 12+ in Scotland
- Separate systems: England/Wales (EA) vs. Scotland
- Types: 1-day, 8-day, 12-month; concessions for juniors, seniors, disabled
- Revenue funds fisheries improvement, habitat restoration, enforcement
Trends
- Sales surged during COVID (2020–21: ~1.7M in E&W)
- Slight decline in 2021–22 but well above pre-pandemic (~1.1M in 2019)
- Growing female & youth participation
Northern Ireland operates a separate system (DAERA) with ~20,000 licenses annually.
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