Herbert Woods Introduce their new Catch Fleet

Herbert Woods invites you to book a Catch Fleet fishing boat and enjoy some of the best and most peaceful fishing in the UK.

Our brand-new fishing boat fleet, called the Catch Fleet, is ready for the 2021 fishing season starting on 16th June 2021and can be hired from Herbert Woods for a full or half day.

These 17ft fishing boats with walk-around decks will take up to four passengers, offer easy manoeuvrability and come equipped with an outboard motor and fuel for the day, which is everything that is required. The customers only need to bring their fishing tackle and picnic and make sure they keep in mind all the important rules for personal safety and for care of the Broads’ natural environment.

Whether it’s pike, beam, roach or any other species, the Norfolk Broads offers some of the best fishing in the UK, with hundreds of miles of beautiful rivers and broads to choose from.

Fishing for peace of mind
It appears that fishermen had the secret to meditation all along, way before it became mainstream as part of the wellbeing movement.

When sitting by still water, watching the line for the slightest twitch, you can’t think of much else. The combination of alertness, concentration and relaxation leads to a Zen state, keeping out hectic thoughts from the world beyond. Only the flight of birds, reeds stirred by the breeze, insects darting over the water and sun arcing slowly across the endless blue sky will register. It helps people who go fishing, even for the first time, feel stronger, and better able to face the world. It probably explains why fishing has been one of the most popular sports or hobbies in the UK, terms of number of people, for decades.

With a group of four, that state of blissful peace could be achieved when the picnic lunch is over, and everyone settles down for an afternoon of fishing or reading. It’s what makes holidays on the Norfolk Broads so special.

What to expect when fishing on the Broads
In over 300 square kilometres of rivers and shallow lakes, The Norfolk Broads supports a variety of freshwater fish species; bream, roach, eels, ruff, perch, rudd, tench and pike. This wetland landscape of reedbeds and marshes in the heart of Norfolk offers wonderful fishing for all levels of anglers.

This fishing guide is incredibly useful for amateurs and old hands. It covers where to fish, ideal bait and tackle for the Broads, and practices that will protect the fish, the wildlife, other anglers and the angling party themselves.

Fishing Guide for the Broads

Organising your fishing trip with Catch Fleet
A fully prepared boat can be booked, to depart from the Herbert Woods marina, for the full day or half day. Fishing is available from 16th June 2021 to 14th March 2022 inclusive March inclusive. It is not suitable for pets and smoking is not allowed.

You must have a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence, which is available from the Post Office or online, to fish on the waters of the Norfolk Broads. For more information on the fishing season and licences required, please check the norfolkbroads.com Fishing Season & Licences page. It is also possible to acquire a rod licence instantly online.

Parking is included in the hire fee and the yard is straightforward to find. It’s signposted from the A149 near Potter Heigham and is on the A1062.

If travelling by train, we recommend you pre-book a taxi from the nearest station at Acle to Herbert Woods, which is approximately 10 minutes’ journey. Stripes Taxis (01692 434007) are the ideal local taxi firm which can be booked online via the Stripes website.

Planning your day
For those unfamiliar with the region, the Broads cover a surprisingly large area. This gives a good indication of the time it takes to get around, so it’s worth planning your destination in advance to allow time for the return trip and time for fishing, especially for half-day bookings. Horsey and Sutton are just over an hour away and the furthest points can take 3 hours and 30 minutes. Journey times are approximate and may be affected by traffic, tide and weather.

The team at the Herbert Woods are always ready with advice and reminders on where the fishing hot spots are. Some areas are restricted as they are either owned privately or under Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSI protection.

To book a Catch Fleet boat for a day on the Broads book online or call the Herbert Woods team on 0800 144 4472.

Safety in 2021
Please note you should only hire a boat with people from your own household or support bubble. Please follow government guidance at all times right through the season and check before you travel.

The DOs and DON’Ts listed on the Herbert Woods Catch Fleet Map are a must-read and some of the critical ones are:

● At least two adults on board the boat at all times
● Supervise children at all times
● Make sure all mobiles are fully charged and have Broads Police and the marina number at hand
● Wear buoyancy aids always, even when stationary
● Always ensure the boat is securely moored before getting on or off
● Do not drink on boats applies to everyone
● Take your time – it’s better than landing in the water

Herbert Woods, a legacy
Herbert Woods, son of Walter Woods, began to expand the fleet of Broads cruisers in 1929 from the family boatyard in Potter Heigham, Norfolk, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. After Herbert Woods’ death in 1954 the firm continued to operate under new owners. The current owners, since 2010, are proud guardians of Herbert Woods’ legacy and have restored the Herbert Woods brand name on all the boats. They also continue to expand the fleet of cruisers and picnic boats in true Herbert Woods spirit and offer several self-catering cottages and apartments.

Find out more about our history.

Award-winning holidays on the Norfolk Broads
In 2015 Herbert Woods was awarded the EDP Visit Norfolk Tourism Award for ‘Best Broads Holiday Experience’ and became the first Broads boatyard to achieve British Marine & Visit England Quality Accredited Boatyard status. Herbert Woods continues to receive the TripAdvisor’s ‘Certificate of Excellence’ year on year for high levels of customer service.

Get in touch
For media enquiries or press trip requests please contact James Brooks at Herbert Woods jamesb@herbertwoods.co.uk or call 01692 531054. Herbert Woods, Bridge Road, Potter Heigham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 5JF.

Discover what Norfolk Broads Boat Hire is all about when it comes to the Norfolk Broads and choosing the right holiday.

For booking or holiday enquiries please contact a member of the Herbert Woods customer service team on 0800 144 4472.