We’ve all heard of tall tales from the riverbank and the size of the one that got away. But when it comes to the scale of the sport of angling, the numbers speak for themselves. At the last count back in 2015, England’s anglers clocked up 22.3 million days of freshwater fishing in the year, that’s an average of around 60,000 people out fishing every day.

But how to make sure your lake or fishery is a success?

Be committed

A good fishery requires dedication and attention to detail. Being passionate about fishing as a sport and a business makes it much more likely to succeed.

Manage the environment

The better the quality of water, the better the fish. Good water is well oxygenated. It should flow and provide natural cover and a steady food source. To make water as good as it can be, use gravity, look after the water source and surrounding landscape, plant trees and encourage wildlife.

Know your market

Trout or coarse fish? Are you aiming for focused specimen, trout and match fishers or a wider audience? Most coarse angling trips take place between five and 25 miles from the angler’s home so if you are in a remote area you will need to work at building your reputation and niche.

Give anglers what they want

Holding events such as competitions, lessons and taster weekends will help build your reputation. Work with clubs, public bodies and charities to bring fishing to a wider audience. You can extend the season for specialists by offering predator fishing in trout fisheries. Supply information about the flora and fauna that go with a fishery to encourage an interest and wider understanding of the natural environment.

Add extras

More ponds for different species and sizes or a smaller ‘easy catch’ pond for children can definitely increase appeal but check the figures to find out if it’s worth it. Returns on investment are rarely groundbreaking. Businesses you can rent out to a third party such as a café or tackle shop which bring in extra people is also an option as is accommodation but, again, be mindful of costs and avoid anything that could create conflict between fishers and non-fishers. Bear in mind that rather than relying on day tickets, some fisheries may be more successfully run as a syndicate or let to a club.

Maintain your value

Fishing is a lifestyle business so buyers will accept low returns on their purchase, particularly if they see potential to develop the site. They are usually looking for a well-run ‘value added’ enterprise with a principal house. It’s important to have records that show growth and track incomings and outgoings. You’ll also need good catch records to attract repeat business, show what’s on offer and to inform your stocking policy

Further information

Read more: Key considerations for establishing a recreational fishery