Fishing is allowed to continue despite new lockdown

FISHING is allowed during the current national lockdown and can be counted as “exercise”, the Government has confirmed.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport made the clarification following lobbying by the Angling Trust.

The Government said fishing could be counted as exercise but that social distancing and other Covid safety measures must be followed.

As with all other forms of exercise, under current national lockdown rules fishing can only be done with one other person at a distance of two metres or more.

It should also be done locally, meaning within the town, village or part of the city where you live.

A Government spokesman said: “Fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors.”

The Angling Trust welcomed the permission to fish but reminded enthusiasts that the hobby should only be enjoyed once per day and should not be done overnight.

Chief exec Jamie Cook also pointed out that competitive fishing, otherwise known as match fishing, is not allowed.

He said: “We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and we as anglers have a duty to abide by the strict conditions under which fishing is once again permitted.

“With infection rates and death tolls rising, we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.”

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also confirmed that fishing off private boats and watersports could also count as exercise.