Fishing is a sport for life, not just Christmas

Environment Agency News Release

If you are buying someone who has never fished before a rod for Christmas, don’t forget the rod licence. The reminder comes as nearly 500 cases of fishing without a valid rod licence were brought in front of the courts by the Environment Agency in November, resulting in more than £60,000 in fines and costs, and five cautions. 

“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 £31,403 and charged them an additional £28,905 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. 

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.