Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975

25 Licences to fish

(1) A water authority shall by means of a system of licensing regulate fishing for salmon and trout in their area and, except so far as excused by the Minister, shall by such means regulate fishing for freshwater fish of any description or eels in their area.

(2) Subject to the following provisions of this section, a licence granted for the purposes of this section (hereafter in this Act referred to as a " fishing licence ") shall entitle the person to whom it was granted and no others to use an instrument specified in the licence to fish for any fish of a description, in an area and for a period so specified.

(3) A fishing licence for the use of an instrument other than a rod and line to fish for salmon or trout shall also authorise the use of the instrument for that purpose by the duly authorised servants or agents of the person to whom it was granted, but not exceeding the number permitted by paragraph 13 of Schedule 2 to this Act.

(4) A fishing licence for the use of a rod and line shall entitle the licensee to use as ancillary to that use a gaff, consisting of a plain metal hook without a barb, or a tailer or landing net.

(5) A fishing licence for the use of any instrument for fishing for salmon shall authorise the use of that instrument for fishing for trout.

(6) A fishing licence in respect of any instrument for fishing for salmon or trout shall authorise the use of that instrument for fishing for freshwater fish and eels.

(7) Any person or association entitled to an exclusive right of fishing in any inland waters may be granted a general licence to fish in those waters subject to any conditions agreed between the water authority and the licensee, and the licence shall entitle the licensee and, subject to paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 below, any person authorised by him in writing, or in the case of an association, by its secretary so to fish.

(8) Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect with respect to fishing licences.

(9) Any licence in force under any provision of section 61 of the [1923 c. 16.] Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1923 immediately before 29th June 1972 shall be treated as having been granted under the corresponding provision of this section.