High-end staycations have transformed basic fishing trips into premium retreats. Most fishing holidays in the UK now feature wood-fired hot tubs, log cabins and private, well-stocked lakes.
Why Are More People Taking up Fishing?
Modern media is helping to showcase fishing. Live in the Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys follows the biographical story of the fly-fishing legend and the respect he has for local fishing waters. The Fish Locker is a YouTube channel that focuses on local foraging for cockles, lobsters, and razor clams. Fish with Carl is another popular channel that features general fish species and angling experiences.
Fishing is also a theme in iGaming. Those who know how to play Big Bass Bonanza will recognise the fishing-themed graphics and iconography directly related to the sport. Entry points like this bring fishing to those who may have never picked up a rod before, showing the scope of fishing’s resurgence
As Brits are driving an 11% year-on-year increase in activity-led holidays, demand for lakeside lodges, glamping pods and camping is now surging to record-breaking levels. Rising travel costs have also contributed to this trend and have encouraged people to seek out new experiences.
Recreational angling contributes roughly £1.5 billion to the UK annually and supports 15,000 jobs across charter boat services, accommodation and hospitality. 44% of people who go camping also fish, and say that fishing is their preferred activity when staying somewhere on-site.
Even though fishing booms tend to raise concerns about sustainable fishing, the UK is leading by example. Data from research organisations like Cefas indicate that UK anglers return 80% of their catch, showing how people are not only becoming more adventurous, but eco-conscious too.
Searches for Fishing Holidays are on the Rise
The latest studies show that searches for “fishing holidays in the UK” have risen by 110% over the last 90 days, reflecting that more people are looking to take up the sport. Carp are best caught between April and October in areas like Devon and Dorset. You can find out more about that on the Great British Life website.
Other common species include bream, roach and tench. For fly fishing, the Scottish Highlands, River Wye, and Hampshire Chalk Streams are all popular locations. Here you’ll find Wild Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon, year-round. Those looking to take up deep-sea fishing should look to Cornwall, the Yorkshire Coast, and Wales. Here you’ll find sea bass, tope, mackerel, and cod. Their season runs from June to November, showing how versatile the UK is for fishing and how even in winter, there are still opportunities to fish.
Another trend driving fishing’s popularity in the UK is events. Fishing events attract anglers from all over the UK and act as a tourism magnet for seaside towns. People often book longer stays so that the local area can be explored after the event, which generates money for local businesses. As this trend becomes more dominant, Airbnb properties in seaside towns are set to rise, ensuring the spike in demand can be met.
