Rules, made navigable
Fishing licences, permission and close seasons
Before choosing tackle, answer three separate questions: what authorisation covers you, who lets you use the water, and whether you can fish for that species on that date.
The three checks
Licence
In England and Wales, anglers aged 13 or over need the appropriate rod fishing licence for covered freshwater fishing. Scotland does not have a recreational rod-licence system, but other legal and seasonal rules still apply. Northern Ireland uses rod licences issued for the relevant jurisdiction.
Permission
A licence is not a ticket to a particular peg. Check the fishery, landowner, club, canal operator or rights-holder and obtain the permit or day ticket they require.
Date and local rules
Close seasons depend on nation, species and water. Local byelaws and venue rules can add restrictions, so a national summary is only the start.