› Fishing Permits & Permissions › Recreational Permits

Recreational Permits

Recreational fishing is a popular activity along the Northumberland coast, whether you’re shore-based, on a small boat, or using pots and traps. In many cases you can fish without a permit, but certain gear and fisheries are managed through a permit system to protect stocks, habitats and wider sustainability.

Eligibility

Enjoy responsible fishing in Northumberland waters

In most cases, you do not need a permit to fish with a rod or hand-line within the NIFCA district. You are free to enjoy sea angling using these methods without additional authorisation.

However, you do need a permit if you plan to fish using pots, traps or similar gear for shellfish (for example crab, lobster or whelks). This requirement helps ensure that effort and gear use are managed responsibly and within sustainable limits.

Even where a permit is not required, you must always comply with minimum size limits and conservation rules — undersized or protected animals must be returned to the sea immediately.

What a recreational permit allows

A recreational fishing permit allows you to fish with certain gear types, most commonly pots or traps, within the NIFCA district. Permit holders are expected to comply with all conditions attached to their permit, including gear limits and reporting where required.

Permits contribute to sustainable management by providing information on recreational fishing pressure and helping ensure consistent, fair use of marine resources.

How to apply

Recreational fishing permits are issued annually and must be obtained before using regulated gear.

Before applying, please ensure that:

You are fishing within the NIFCA district
You understand the gear and species restrictions that apply
You are aware of size and daily catch limits for recreational fishers

Applications can be made in writing using the form below, or online via the official government portal.

Recreational Fishing Permits

Permits are required for commercial shellfish fisheries within the district, including potting for lobster and crab. These permits are issued annually, and include conditions such as vessel length limits, tag requirements and monthly reporting to support sustainable shellfish management and compliance with local byelaws.

Guidance

Important information for recreational fishers

Even without a permit, everyone fishing in the NIFCA district must follow the relevant byelaws and conservation measures. These include:

Minimum size limits for fish and shellfish species
Returning undersized, berried or protected animals to the sea immediately
Following gear-specific rules if you hold a permit

NIFCA officers regularly patrol the district to support compliance and offer guidance where needed. If you’re unsure whether you need a permit or how the rules apply to you, please contact us before you fish.

Why permits and guidance matter

Recreational fisheries contribute to coastal life and local enjoyment of the marine environment. Permits and byelaws help make sure this activity remains sustainable, protects vulnerable stocks and habitats, and co-exists fairly with commercial fishing and conservation objectives.

By holding the correct permit and following guidance, you’re helping look after Northumberland’s seas for everyone, now and for generations to come.