What do I need before I can go fishing legally, and how much does it cost?
There are two costs to fish.
Fishing Rod Licence.
Once reaching 13 years old, a rod licence is needed. Available as a 1-day, 8-day or 12-month licence, up to 30 days before you want it to start. See Buy a Fishing Licence),
Permission to fish.
The fishing rights on rivers are also owned and so access is usually by annual membership or day tickets. Our prices are in a table on the Membership Page where you’ll find full prices as well as concessionary prices for students or the Tawe Disabled Fishers section. Junior membership is free.
Can I fish on the rivers all year?
No. For the sustainability of fish, although a rod licences can last for 12 months, fishing is only permitted in the open season. The exact dates for this depend on the target species (Trout or Salmon) and location, but is around March to October. See fishingwales.net Fishing Seasons
Can I be asked to produce anything?
Anyone fishing must be able to produce a club permit for inspection when asked by an authorised club bailiff, you may also be asked to show you hold an Environment Agency Rod Licence by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) staff on their patrols.
Where can I buy fishing tackle as a beginner?
The club holds an annual Clydach Fishing Club Auction in February (6th this year). Doors open around 6pm for sellers to enter items and buyers to browse.
We aim to commence at 7pm or soon after. This takes place in the hall of Vardre Rugby Football Club, 3 High St, Swansea, SA6 5LF.
It is ideal for someone starting out to have an opportunity to buy used and pre-owned but new tackle. Plenty good enough to get a feel for if river Fishing on the River Tawe is for you. Moreover it’s an opportunity to speak with members, some of whom have over seventy years of experience fishing the River Tawe for Brown Trout, Sewin / Sea Trout and for Salmon.
Just up the road is H. R. Jones tackle and ironmonger shop, 68 High St, Swansea, SA6 5LN, with the upstairs dedicated to fishing tackle. Mark and Bernard have a selection of rods, lines, reels and hooks / flies ready to go. Also a selection of fly tying materials and tools, which for some is a hobby in itself.
Is there anything to do outside of the fishing season?
During the off season, the club has weekly Fly Tying Tuition sessions at the Vardre on Monday evenings from 7pm. Next on 19th January. Some senior club members should be available then if you’d like to speak with anyone face to face before the auction night.
What about meeting to fish together as a group?
In addition, the Tawe Disabled Fishers hold a monthly “competition” day at a fishery. Although it’s a competition, it’s a laid back atmosphere where most members are happy to help each other, give advice and often share flies and methods, and generally assist each other. This is open to all members, usually on the first Wednesday of every month during the open fishing season. A favourite is Tyn y Graig Fishery in Crynant, where disabled members can park close to the ponds.
Is there a concession for blue badge holders as new members?
By joining the Tawe Disabled Fishers section of the club, the annual cost is £30. To do this, you’ll either need to produce an EA rod licence with the relevant concession, or produce a Blue Badge when joining.