The Angling Trust is proud to announce the launch of the Best Practice Guide for Freshwater Angling – a comprehensive resource designed to promote responsible, sustainable, and safe angling across the UK.
This free, downloadable guide provides anglers of all levels with clear, practical advice on how to care for fish, protect the environment, support fellow anglers, and follow legal and safety guidelines.
Produced in collaboration with major angling organisations, including Tenchfishers, The Grayling Society, and the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain, the guide is built around six core principles:
- Care for the fish you catch.
- Appreciate and protect the environment.
- Help other anglers and encourage newcomers.
- Treat everyone with respect.
- Follow the rules and always fish legally.
- Fish safely and follow health and safety guidance.
The guide includes expert tips on fish handling, unhooking techniques, safe rig use, water temperature awareness, and biosecurity. It also highlights the importance of community involvement, environmental stewardship, and legal compliance.
Jamie Cook, CEO of the Angling Trust, said:
“This guide is a vital step forward in ensuring that freshwater angling continues to thrive in a way that respects fish welfare, cares for the environment, and welcomes new generations to the sport.
“There’s also great advice on ways that anglers can get involved in protecting the waters we love to fish, such as organising litter picks with fellow anglers, recycling discarded line through the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme or getting your club involved in water quality monitoring through our Anglers Against Pollution campaign.
“Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this guide is for you.”
Andy Horwood, Scientific Officer of The Perchfishers, said:
“The Perchfishers were delighted to be involved in the creation of such an important new document that helps protect our valuable fish stocks. Our members are passionate about perch in particular, but they care about all fish species. Hence, our organisation’s concern for the environment and how fish are caught and handled. Fish are fishing’s most valuable resource, and are too valuable to be caught just once. We appreciate the Angling Trust for producing such an outstanding, comprehensive new guide for all anglers.”
Pat Dower, Chairman of the Tenchfishers, commented:
“The Best Practice Guide is a great resource for both experienced anglers and ones starting their fishing journey. Importantly, the needs of all the differing species are covered, too. Well done to the Angling Trust!”
The Angling Trust wishes to thank the following societies for their support and advice in producing the guide:
- Association of Crucian Anglers
- The Carp Society
- Catfish Conservation Group
- Chub Study Group
- The Grayling Society
- Lure Anglers Society
- Tenchfishers
- The National Anguilla Club
- The Perchfishers
- Pike Angling Club of Great Britain
- Wild Carp Trust
- Zander Anglers’ Club
The Best Practice Guide for Freshwater Angling can be downloaded here
