In article , John
wrote:
I just wondered what period the rod license runs from and when I am
allowed to fish for trout in England and Scotland?

Licence - April-March.

Seasons vary according to area/catchment. Generally all open mid April -
Mid September but most are longer, ask locally or consult the Environment
Agency.

I would also probably need a new rod. I've not been fishing for about
14 or 15 years now. I think I still have the old rod somewhere in our
basement.

I previously had a two piece rod it was only quite small with a
floating line, but that suited me for the mainly river fishing I used
to do in the Lake District. I was a lot younger then though and I'd
probably need something slightly bigger now.

Can anyone recommend any types of rod that are not too expensive and
also a reel?

Dig out your old gear. The line is probably useless but the rest may well
be OK to get back the feel. Buy a mill-end line or two to get yourself
re-started.

Once you have had a couple of trips you will know/remember what problems
to address and have some idea whether buying new tackle will suit. A
casting lesson would be a useful shortcut to facility and the instructor
will have a range of tackle you might try out. (S)he will be able to make
suggestions based on your physique, fitness and the waters you intend to
fish.

Are there any decent online angling stores as well or do you folks
mainly just buy your gear from local angling shops in your area?

On-line stores are all very well but you -have- to know the current market
well or at least have accurate specifications. Avoid them until you're up
to speed. Local tackle shops will let you browse, waggle likely rods, try
different reels until you get a balance and so on. They're also a first
class source of up to date fishing information which will be invaluable in
the first year.

Cheerio,

--
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