Best Practice: Freshwater
The Angling Trust’s Best Practice Guide for Freshwater Angling is 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.
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
Or read online below: