Angling
Angling along the Medway is popular and fish such as barbell, roach, dace and tench are often caught. There are 21 species of fish in the Medway. Some species which can be seen near the surface of the water include bleak or chub, which are often seen in the summer months feeding on flies. The biggest fish you are likely to see is the predatory pike, which can grow to over a metre in length.
In order to fish, a valid rod licence is required. There are a variety of licence types depending on the duration of the licence and the time of year. Visit your post office or for more information see the Environment Agency link to the right. The Environment Agency also have additional information on their website including booklets giving details of all the places you can fish in the UK, including the Medway area.
Local clubs in the area include:
Tonbridge and District Angling and Fish Preservation Society control the fishing in seven lakes and fourteen miles of river. They also sell day tickets for various stretches where payment is required. For more information: www.tonbridge-angling.co.uk
Maidstone Victory Anglers Society are the leading society in the Maidstone area and have access to many ponds and miles of the Medway. For more information on them and about joining see their website: www.maidstonevictory.co.uk
Encouraging people to learn more about this recreation but also taking part in competitions, The Linton Angling Society are based in Linton outside Maidstone and have access to a victorian lake but also the Medway, Beult and Teise and also three miles of the Royal Military Canal. For information on joining see their website: www.lintonangling.co.uk
As long as you have your valid licence you can fish for free in certain stretches without being a member of a club. Areas include East Farleigh lock down to Unicomes Lane and Wharf Road footbridge to Allington. See the Environment Agency website for more information.