The permits, which give people the chance to fish along 300 miles of our waterways across England & Wales, were launched almost a decade ago and prices have not changed since then.
The changes
From April 2020, the price of an adult Waterway Wanderers permit will increase by £2 to £22 for an annual pass. Thereafter the price will increase by £1 per year until 2023. The eventual annual adult rate of £25 in 2023 works out as less than 50p per week.
The annual junior rate remains the same at £5, while Angling Trust adult members, the over 65s, and concessionary rod licences holders will still benefit from a £10 discount on the full price.
The full table showing the new changes can be found at the bottom of this article.
Why the change?
John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager at the Trust, comments: “The wonderful waterways we care for run through the heart of cities and cut through the great British countryside. Being by the water makes you healthier and happier and fishing is a fantastic way to feel these benefits. Our canals and rivers are the perfect place to learn the sport, and our Waterway Wanderers permits are an affordable way for everybody to get involved.
“We reinvest the money from the permits back into maintaining 2,000 miles of waterways, as well as reservoirs and fisheries, and all the work that goes into making sure our fish our flourishing. We’re also working to grow our Let’s Fish! campaign, which is going from strength to strength, with over 40 clubs now involved. These free, family-friendly events are a great way for beginners to have a chance to catch their first fish and for developing anglers to upskill.
“To help fund all this we’re raising the price of our adult Waterway Wanderers permits for the first time in a decade. They remain excellent value for money and we hope people will take advantage of the freedom they offer to set up, settle down, and relax by the water – and hopefully make a catch!”
The price increases were discussed at the Trust’s November Fishing & Angling Advisory Group meeting where delegates fully supported the proposals.
