Displaying items by tag: fishing without a rod licence

Today (6 January 2009) at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates Court, fishing without a valid rod licence cost nine cheating anglers a total of £1,425.

The offences related to instances of fishing without a rod licence at locations in Whitmore, Chesterton and Consall.

It should send a clear message to anglers that a day’s fishing in North Staffordshire without an Environment Agency rod licence could prove very expensive indeed, with a maximum possible fine of £2,500.

Speaking after the cases, Environmental Crime Team Leader, Doug Freakley, said: “Anglers who fish without a valid rod licence need to be aware that our Water Bailiffs are out and about checking rod licences. As today’s results demonstrate, sooner or later they are going to get caught and we won’t hesitate to prosecute.

“Not only does a prosecution prove costly, with fines of up to £2,500, it also marks an angler out as someone who cheats his fellow anglers. When you buy a rod licence, the money is used to help fund our work managing fisheries and improving the sport for everyone. So if you don’t buy a rod licence, you reduce the pleasure of the sport for everyone else.

“The message from this court case is loud and clear – if you haven’t got a valid rod licence, get one today.”

Source: Environment Agency Fishing News

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