Industry boost as Dutch fishing licence sales exceed targets

The latest figures on fishing participation across the Netherlands will be welcomed by the fishing tackle trade across Europe.

Holland – a hotbed of fishing across the region – reported that sales of licences last year stood at 708,160, a growth of more than 18,500 compared to 2023 and far exceeding a target of 674,000.

Since the introduction of a fishing licence – VISpas – in 2017 by Sportvisserij Nederland, the number of anglers has increased almost every year. The growth has been attributed to the ease of purchase of a VISpas, the strong use of social media and influencers and the popularity of the Netherlands among German anglers as a fishing venue.

Unsurprisingly, growth was at its strongest during the period of the pandemic.

Added good news is the revelation that more young people are taking to the water with 12,239 new online registrations, bringing the total to 40,462 anglers – an increase of more than 2,400 compared to the previous year.

The Netherlands remains popular with sport fishing tourists – especially its eastern neighbours. In 2024 112,265 passes were sold to Germans, 11,553 to Belgians and 5,507 to visitors from other countries.

Sales of the Kleine VISpas (children’s licence) for one rod on a limited number of waters fell to 37,378 compared to 39,221 in the previous year. This decrease was deliberate as anglers were encouraged to opt for the more extensive VISpas.