Take a friend fishing

Basically, if you’ve got a fishing license already, you can snag a free one-day license for a friend who’s never tried it (or hasn’t in ages). Think of it as a chance to ditch the screens, get some fresh air, and make some memories by the water.

Why should you do it?

Life’s busy, right? Fishing’s a perfect way to chill out, catch up with friends, and just enjoy being outdoors. Whether it’s a workmate, a family member, or just your best pal, taking them fishing is a fun way to spend some quality time.

When else can you get involved?

This spring kick-off is just the start! Here’s what else is coming:

1. Summer Fun: From July 26th to August 31st, 2025, TAFF teams up with National Fishing Month. Look out for a big launch at the Ragley Game Fair from July 25th-27th.
2. Holiday Fishing: Want to escape the Christmas chaos? You can take a friend fishing from December 20th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026.

How to get your free license for your friend:

As the angler, you will need an existing licence to register, make sure you have this to hand. The environment agency have stopped sending out the physical cards, this year you’ll get a letter in the post only. This is what you’ll need to have in your hand in order to register.

To register simply head to www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk, pick your fishing date, and fill in a few details about you and your friend. Please note, the registration is a little bit of tricky. You’ll need your licence number and also a photo of it, that you can attach to the form.

A team effort

This whole thing is a big collaboration between the Angling Trades Association, the Environment Agency, and loads of other groups who love fishing. They’re all working together to get more people hooked on angling (pun intended!).

Important stuff to remember

1. Rivers have a “close season” for coarse fish from March 15th to June 15th, so during the spring TAFF event, stick to lakes.
2. If you’re 13 or older, you usually need a fishing license. But during the TAFF event, your friend gets one free for the day!
3. The free one day fishing license that is given out during the TAFF events, has a value of £7.10 (£7.30 after April 1st) for coarse and non-migratory trout or £13.20 (£13.50 after April 1st) for salmon and sea trout.
4. If you need to renew your licence you can do so here https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences

Written by Steve
Steve's been an angler since the age of 12, when he caught his first perch on his local canal in Warwickshire. An avid float angler for over 30 years, Steve's just as passionate about angling now, whether stick float fishing on the Avon or at his local gravel pit fishing for spring time Tench.