Freshwater anglers are being reminded to buy a licence ahead of the 2020/21 season and enjoy fishing in the Isle of Man’s scenic reservoirs and rivers.
Daily, weekly or seasonal angling licences are issued by the Isle of Man Government and allow fishing in Ballure, Clypse, Cringle, Kerrowdhoo, Sulby and West Baldwin reservoirs, all of which are stocked with high-quality rainbow trout.
The reservoir fishing season runs from 10 March 2020 to 31 January 2021. There has been a small increase in prices this year with an adult season licence costing £213.50; young people aged between 14 and 18 will pay £81 and it remains free to children under 14.
The money raised from recreational fishing licenses contributes towards activities such as anti-poaching operations and habitat conservation, enabling sustainable management of the Isle of Man’s freshwater fisheries.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘The licenses are excellent value for money and allow residents and visitors alike to fish in some of the most scenic reservoirs and rivers anywhere in Britain.
‘The Programme for Government pledges to ensure more people get out and enjoy our fantastic surroundings.'
During the 2019 season, a survey of reservoir anglers was carried out by the Isle of Man Government, with over three-quarters of respondents rating the quality of the reservoir fishery as either excellent or very good.
A summary of the survey results can be downloaded from the freshwater fishing page of the Government website. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture would like to thank all respondents for their feedback, which will help to inform the future management and improvement of the reservoir fishery.
The 2020 Other Waters season begins 1 April 2020 with adult licences costing £71 for a season, £28 for a week and £11.50 for a day. The coarse fishing season runs 1 January to 31 December with season licences costing £11.50 for adults and again free for children.
Licences for the reservoirs and Other Waters go on sale Monday 24 February and can be bought via www.gov.im, from the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and from DEFA headquarters at St John’s. Reservoir Season licences at a concessionary rate, for those 65 and over or registered as disabled, can also be bought at Post Offices but are not available online as eligibility must be proved.
Gift certificates are also available by contacting fisheries@gov.im or by calling +44 1624 685857.
For further information on recreational fishing, including the full list of licence prices, visit www.gov.im/fisheries.
