The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I take a look at some of the aspects concerning free fishing in England. I grew up up surrounded by waters that were regarded as 'free' but the truth was far more complex.

A very useful summary, well done Mark.

Really enjoyed that as someone who likes to know the Do's and don'ts of English law.
I find all this very interesting, with the tidal free fishing in towns, King Johns Magna Carta and local council bylaws etc.
They often change, as in the free fishing on the Kentish Stour in Canterbury, thats stopped now.
All very, very interesting Mark.
I have an affinity with the Thames and have met over the years some very interesting urban anglers along the away.
Only yesterday I was talking to Mark in a pub on the river who landed the 55 lbs plus Carp in an enclosed water in London that had open access to the Thames.
Keep your videos coming, always something of interest and a lot of hard work you out in to.
Thank you
Mr B
It is on YouTube but because of the language I haven't added the link.
Its truly amazing what some of our free stretches of the rivers hold and fish great and small swim past or stay.
Ps... clip of the Carp.

Thank you Mark, a very useful post on some of the do's and dont's to be aware of!

I'm a great fan of areas of free fishing on the Thames as they're often better than the nearby club water. One area over the last few years has produced three perch over the 5lb mark and another hot spot is very popular with barbel anglers who regularly catch them to over 15lb, with the odd chub to 7lb. Whereas further down the river on the club stretch they have matches and regularly moan about how bad the Thames is these days. I guess they're just after silvers which actually mostly frequent the free stretch above and a part that is too complicated to have riparian ownership so is essentially free fishing if you have a punt.