Environment Agency News Release

North West anglers are being reminded to keep their rod licence handy (Saturday 29 – Monday 31 May 2010) as Environment Agency bailiffs will be out in force as part of a National rod licence blitz to ensure anglers are licensed to fish. 
 
Steve Powell, North West Regional Fisheries Specialist, said: “With the bank holiday and with school half term holidays approaching we are expecting to see many more anglers out and about in the region.
 
“Anyone aged over 12 who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk in Scotland is required to have a rod licence by law.
 
“If you’re caught fishing without a licence your tackle could be seized and you could face a fine of up to 2,500 GBP.”
 
Last year, approximately 12,317 anglers were checked for licences. Nearly 450  people were prosecuted for fishing without a licence in the North West and with fines totalling over 42, 603 GBP including costs totalling more that 29 574 GBP.
 
Steve continued: “Money from rod licence sales is ploughed directly back into improving facilities and getting more people out fishing, protecting vulnerable fish stocks and habitat improvements.
 
“Those who dodge the licence fees cheat fellow anglers of vital investment into their sport.”
 
Rod licences cost as little as 3.75 GBP for one day’s coarse and trout fishing and there is also a range of weekly, full year, concessionary and junior licences. For more information log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence or call 0844 800 5386.
 
For more information on local North West fishing venues and local byelaws log on www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

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