Every year, thousands of anglers are prosecuted for fishing illegally. Don’t ruin your fun by getting caught out too. As well as cheating other angers, fishing illegally can carry a hefty penalty. Getting caught without a licence could land you with a fine of up to £2,500.
In 2013/2014, nationally the Environment Agency checked 80,000 rod licences and prosecuted 2,795 anglers for fishing illegally. Last month (April) in the West Midlands alone, the Environment Agency successfully prosecuted 29 anglers for fishing without a licence.
Any angler aged 12 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. An annual licence cost from just £27 (concessions available). Buying our renewing your licence is easy; all you have to do is buy online from the Post Office at http://www.postoffice.co.uk/rod-fishing-licence or pop into your local post office. As long as you carry your payment receipt you can fish straight away. Always ensure that you buy direct from the Post Office because there are some unofficial websites which charge a handling fee.
Mick Hyde, Enforcement Team Leader said:
We are out all the time checking licences and making sure people are fishing legally, unfortunately there are a few anglers who flout the rules and we are working to find and stop them. Our local angling community can help; anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 61 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
So, don’t get caught, get a rod licence.