The Environment Agency is reminding all coarse fish anglers the 2008 close season starts on March 15 and that by the time it ends in June they will need to have bought a new rod licence.
All current full and concessionary rod licences expire on March 31, so if you are planning to fish in England or Wales over the coming season, now is the time to buy a new one.
The close season lasts from 15 March to 15 June inclusive each year. Its purpose is to protect fish during the breeding season. It applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England and Wales, but does not apply to most still-waters and canals. There are exceptions to this rule, for example The Broads Authority. They can be found in local angling byelaws which can be obtained by calling 08708 506 506.
During the close season Environment Agency water bailiffs will be out on rivers and streams making sure people are observing the close season. They will also be checking lakes and ponds to make sure people who are fishing have a valid rod licence. Anyone fishing without a rod licence will have their details recorded and may be prosecuted.
If anglers plan to fish through the close season on still-waters and canals they will need to purchase a new licence on 1 April as their old one expires on 31 March. From Saturday 16 June anglers will be able to fish for coarse fish again in rivers and other waters where the close season applies, but they still need to have a valid rod licence and the permission of the landowner.
Anyone 12 years old or over who wants to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels in England and Wales and the Border Esk in Scotland 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.
In 2007 more than 4,300 anglers appeared in front of judges across England and Wales for fishing without a valid rod licence. They paid nearly £610,000 in fines and costs. In addition 35 anglers received cautions from the courts, a man from Hastings was banned from fishing for one year and a man from Staines was banned for two and a half years.
Rod licences expire on March 31, 2008. Buying a new licence couldn’t be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.
