This section is dedicated to anglers, alias maggot drowners
alike, in particular those who fish for freshwater fish and
eels in our county.
If you’re already into coarse fishing, or want to
learn the ropes, Wiltshire is the place to try. Fishing in
Wiltshire is well served by rivers, ponds and lakes in quiet
and peaceful surroundings. Nowhere in the world
are you likely to find so much variety of first-class angling
packed into such a peaceful county. Just about all species
are present, from Gudgeon to big hard-fighting Barbel to
specimen
Carp and Pike. Even a long holiday isn’t enough to sample
everything, so unless you intend to specialise, there could
be a problem of what tackle to bring along.
A general-purpose Carp rod of 10-11ft should do the trick;
ideal for distance casting and strong enough to handle large
lake Carp or powerful Barbel from the rivers. A reel with
a couple of spare spools wound with 6, 12 and 18lb nylon is
recommended with spools of thinner nylon for traces. Floats,
shot and weights of choice together with a suitable landing
net, rod rest and a selection of barbless hooks completes
the list of necessary tackle.
Big items like a bivouac, umbrella, barbecue and easy chair
are optional. Travel as light as you can for freedom of movement.
It’s all too easy to overload yourself, and most of
it can be dispensed with, if you think about it. Bring enough
bait for the first weekend until you find the nearest supplier.
There are plenty all over Wiltshire to choose from, and they’ll
also have any tackle you forgot to bring.
As well as providing essential information on rod licences,
some pages provide fishing opportunities and locations to
fish in the local area. You can take an angler to water, but
you can't make a fish eat your bait!, or can the skilled fishermen
do so!
Rod fishing is permitted in all tidal waters of the UK, however
much of the estuarine waters are privately owned and permission
from the owners of these waters should be sought. Ordnance
Survey 1:50,000 series maps show the normal tide limits (NTL)
on river estuaries. Fishing from the shore thereabouts is
free as it is considered a public right of way between the
high and low water marks. If you are fishing in tidal waters
for sea fish or eels an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence
is not required.
Every effort has been made to make sure that the information
contained in this directory is accurate. Do be aware, however,
that Fishery ownership can change at short notice and that
telephone numbers and personalities may change also. Happy
fishing! |
