More anglers than ever are buying their rod licences on line, according to figures released by the Environment Agency.
“Internet sales are up more than 85%,†enthused Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans.
“Buying a rod licence has never been easier; simply visit www.environment-agency.co.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night, and use your debit or credit card to make sure you are fishing legally.
“Alternatively, our telephone sales office is open from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week from March to October. Call 0870 1662662. There are also about 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets that sell them.â€
The timely reminder of how easy it is to buy a rod licence comes as the Environment Agency prepares to crack down on people fishing without a valid rod licence across England and Wales from June 16 to 25.
“Illegal anglers will have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide during June,†continued Dafydd. “Anglers must ensure they have a valid licence before they start fishing, or face the prospect of tough penalties, including a fine of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing. Our officers have access to databases at the touch of a mobile phone button and can verify address and licence details on the riverbank.
“Most anglers understand that rod licence fees are necessary and know the revenue goes towards maintaining and enhancing fisheries and fish stocks. The work includes disease detection, fish rescues, monitoring fish stocks and developing angling opportunities.â€
More than 11,000 anglers were checked over the May Bank Holiday (April 29 – May 1), and nearly 700 people were caught fishing without a rod licence. However, the message is sinking in with evading anglers, as the rate of evasion in the May 2005 blitz was 6%, down from 7% last year. 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.
