More than 300 cases of fishing without a valid rod licence were brought in front of the courts by the Environment Agency in October resulting in nearly £50,000 in fines and costs. 

“Fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels in England and Wales requires a licence from the Environment Agency. Failure to have a licence is an offence. Those caught fishing illegally face tough penalties, including fines of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing. This time around the courts fined the illegal anglers a total of £22,966 and charged them an additional £25,312 in costs,” explained Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans.

“The protection of vulnerable fish stocks and increasing fishing participation are among the Environment Agency’s key environmental objectives. The money raised through rod licence sales; some £19m, is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers. 

“Some anglers believe a licence is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This is not the case. All rod licences expire on March 31.”

Buying a licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct; and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or from our web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.

Ends

Media enquiries: 020 7863 8710 (five lines), or outside normal office hours, please contact the National Duty Press Officer on 07798 882 092

Region                          Defendants prosecuted Total fines         Total costs

Anglian                         59                                 £4,175              £3,333

Midlands                       27                                 £1,945              £1,970

North East                     67                                 £3,165              £4,575

North West                    18                                 £1,370              £1,190

Southern                        68                                 £5,120              £4,635

South West                   32                                 £2,085              £4,739

Thames                         54                                 £3,156              £3,410

Wales                           23                                 £1,950              £1,460

Total                             348                               £22,966 £25,312