The short answer to this question is no – sea fishing does not require a licence. However, in many areas, the situation is, unfortunately, a lot more complicated, especially at sea fishing marks which are within estuaries or along riverbanks where the dividing line between sea fishing and freshwater fishing is unclear.

Fishing Licence Sign — In some areas it is clear that a fishing licence is needed, but sometimes this is not the case.

Anglers fishing from clearly defined sea fishing marks such as beaches and rock marks do not need a fishing licence (but some piers can only be fished if anglers buy a day ticket or season pass and harbours and wharves may ban fishing entirely). This is clear cut and means the vast majority of sea anglers can fish without worrying about licences at all. However, the issue becomes more complicated further away from the sea. Anglers fishing inland in estuaries, inlets and on riverbanks do not need a fishing licence if they are using sea fishing tackle to target sea fish species within tidal waters, which is defined as the water level rising and falling with the incoming and outgoing tide.

In England and Wales anglers fishing non-tidal freshwater rivers and lakes require a fishing licence issued by the Environment Agency (available online or from Post Offices) regardless of the equipment and tactics being used and the species being targeted. In Northern Ireland there is a separate licencing scheme for anglers fishing in freshwater rivers, lakes and loughs. Licences are not needed anywhere in Scotland other than the River Esk (also known as the Border Esk) as this river flows into England, but anglers fishing in Scotland may need to gain the permission of the landowner or an angling club in order to fish certain marks and areas. Anglers unsure about whether they need a licence to fish a particular area or mark should contact the authorities to get advice before they go fishing.

Restricted Locations

Despite no licence being needed sea fishing is restricted in many areas.

Despite anglers not needing a licence there are still restrictions on where anglers can fish from. All piers around the UK are private property and on many piers anglers need to purchase a ticket to fish from them and must observe opening hours and other restrictions – for example some ban overhead casting. Similarly harbours, breakwaters and ports around the UK may ban or restrict angling, and there are a small number of private beaches and marine protected areas in which anglers cannot fish. It is the responsibility of anglers to check they are permitted to fish from an area prior to going fishing. Accessing an area where fishing is prohibited can be classed as trespassing and lead to fines and possibly prosecution.

Restricted Species for Sea Anglers

Salmon — Trout are one of the species that sea anglers can only keep if they are fishing with a freshwater licence.

Although sea fishing does not require a licence all sea fish have a minimum landing size (in order to protect stocks) and several species are protected by law, meaning anglers must return any which are caught. Anglers ignoring these rules can face prosecution if they are caught. For the minimum size limits of UK fish please click this link.

The species listed below have some form of protection under UK law, but please note this list is not exhaustive and anglers should always make sure that they have the right to retain any fish they catch.

Salmon and Trout (Salmo sp.) – These species require a freshwater fishing licence if they are to be retained, regardless of where they are caught. Anglers should not target this species unless they have the appropriate licence and any which are inadvertently caught should be immediately returned.

Silver Eels (Anguilla anguilla) – Protected species due to declining numbers which must be returned alive to the sea if caught by anglers.

Allis Shad (Alosa alosa) and Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax) – Protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) – Restrictions on anglers catching this species have been brought in since 2016 due to declining numbers. Please see the bass article for the current legislation.

Giant Goby (Gobius cobitis) and Couch’s Goby (Gobius couchi) – Protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 due to declining numbers.