Angling is good for your health and wellbeing and is currently enjoyed by around four million people in the UK.

And according to The Environment Agency, anyone can get hooked on this popular pastime and start netting the many benefits.

As the new season of river fishing gets underway, anglers old and new are being encouraged to discover some of the best fishing spots in the area.

Along with the Angling Trust, Met Office, and Post Office, the EA has produced a new website (Fishinginfo.co.uk) so anyone can find the best places to fish.

Steve Thomas, an Environment Agency fisheries specialist, said: “Those who already fish in the South West already know that there is a chance of encountering some exceptional fish in this area.

“We want to make it possible for more people of all abilities to enjoy angling and for our fisheries to provide a positive contribution to the quality of people’s lives.

“Any anglers who want to try their luck and skills on local riverbanks as the new season starts must buy a rod licence before they go.”

Rivers across the region offer species such roach, barbel, chub, dace, brown trout, pike and perch.

A variety of still waters are also home to carp, bream and tench, with excellent trout fishing in many reservoirs.

Steve added: “Fishing is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors, and has great health, welfare and educational benefits.

“Now is the perfect time to buy a rod licence and get out and discover the South West as a family.”

A coarse and trout rod licence costs just £27 for the year and it is easy to buy online from the Post Office website which can be also be accessed through Fishinginfo.co.uk.

Licences can also be bought over the counter at your local Post Office or by telephone on 0344 800 5386.

Here are some of the many benefits of fishing to help you get hooked on the outdoor pursuit, courtesy of The Environment Agency:

  • Anyone can participate – young and old, men and women, able or less able-bodied;
  • Angling can improve educational performance and reduce youth offending;
  • Anglers help to protect the environment;
  • It increases vitamin D levels. It doesn’t have to be sunny when you fish – just being outdoors will help your body top up its vitamin D reserves which keeps your bones and teeth healthy, and has linked to helping battle depression;
  • Being in the great outdoors can also improve your concentration, according to research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine;
  • Angling lowers your stress – several surveys of keen anglers have found that their main motivation is not just about what they might catch, but about what they can leave behind. (Almost 90 per cent said escaping crowds and de-stressing was their ultimate goal). There are now even charities supporting the power of fishing to treat Post Traumatic Stress problems.