Make sure you visit GOV.UK to buy your fishing licence

March will see many anglers looking to renew their rod licence, writes Ken Wade.

Unfortunately the Environment Agency (EA) has had to issue a warning to anglers about scams on the internet, intent on getting your money with fake websites. The EA estimate up to 10,000 could get caught out, some paying as much as double the correct price, so make sure you visit GOV.UK to buy your fishing licence.

The EA said: “Money from fishing licences is used when we respond to fish kills, improving habitats for fish and facilities for anglers; plus fish restocking, invasive species eradication and working with partners to encourage people to take up fishing for the first time.

“When customers purchase from GOV.UK they’ll receive a reference number allowing them to go fishing immediately, “Customers who use third party sites may not get this number immediately and will be considered to be fishing illegally if they go without a valid reference number or licence.”

So to recap, to purchase a licence always use the official link at: www.gov.uk/fishing-licences. Alternatively, call 0344 800 5386 or visit your local Post Office branch.