If you want to go fishing in the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you will need to obtain an Environment Agency rod licence, as well as a permit from an angling pub. When you have this, you can then go fishing for perch, bream, roach, and pike. With that said, there’s a new invasive species that people have to follow strict rules for.
Source: Pexels
The Rise of New Anglers Taking to British Waterways
In 2024, the Angling Trust ran several participation events, which resulted in 43,224 people trying fishing for the very first time. The media is also playing a huge role in attracting new fishermen to British waterways. Popular fishing shows have played a big role here, especially with the popularity of Wicked Tuna and Deadliest Catch.
With that said, games have also played a huge role in making the sport of fishing more accessible and approachable for beginners. Fishing Clash: Sport Simulator is a big game, as is Fishing Simulator. Although games like this focus on realism, the Big Bass Splash slot UK game franchise takes a more relaxed approach. With reels that showcase popular canal fish such as bass, it’s a simple yet fast-paced game, and certainly shows the appeal of the genre. Media like this are helping to popularise the sport of fishing, while showcasing it to those who might never have picked up a rod before.
With so many people now taking up fishing for the first time, canal trusts and angling associations are releasing warnings about a particular type of fish that is now considered to be an invasive species.
Source: Pexels
About the Invasive Species
According to the latest data, anglers spend 7% of their time on canals. With half of the UK population living within 5 miles of a canal, it’s not hard to see why the Leeds and Liverpool canal is such a popular spot. With that said, Zander fish are now actively being managed by the UK Canal & River Trust due to their impact on more native fish populations. Residents have spotted the fish in the Leeds and Liverpool canal, and if you spot one of these fish, it’s important not to return it. It’s now a legal requirement to remove them from the water instead.
They were once native to Europe and Asia, but now live in UK canals, where there are no natural predators. They aggressively hunt prey, which helps them to grow rapidly, while outcompeting other fish for food resources. You can find out more about them on the Bad Angling website.
Zander has a streamlined body that is green and brown in colour, with a cream belly. On the flank, you will see that they have dark stripes with opaque eyes. One particular way to spot a Zander fish is that they have canine teeth at the front, with a double dorsal fin. The conditions of UK canals provide the perfect environment for these fish, which explains why the population has boomed over recent years, something new and experienced anglers have to be aware of.
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