Man Banned From Holding A Rod Licence

A man from Hastings has been banned from fishing for a year after being caught without a rod licence.

Raymond Francis Martin of Malvern Way appeared before Hastings Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 10 December 2007) and pleaded guilty to fishing without a valid rod licence on 26 May 2007 at Harold Road Ponds in Hastings. He was fined £150, ordered to pay costs of £100 and £15 victim support and received a 12 month ban from holding a rod licence (from 10 December 2007).

Raymond Francis Martin had already been fined on two previous occasions for fishing without a rod licence at Harold Road Ponds. On 26 May 2006 he was fined £50 for fishing without a licence and on 8 June 2007 he was fined £100.

Michael Turner, Environment Agency Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity Team Leader for Sussex, said: "Fishing is a fantastic pastime that we encourage people from all walks of life to participate in. But you must have a valid licence before going out on the water. If you fail to get a licence you are not only risking hefty fines but you could also get a ban from taking part in a sport you enjoy.

“Rod licence fees are essential to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy fishing - all the money we raise goes back into improving and maintaining our fisheries. We are doing some fantastic work in Sussex, whether it’s helping teach youngsters to fish, improving disabled access to fisheries or responding to reports of fish in distress. All this is possible because of the money we receive from rod licence sales.”

For 2007/2008 a full season coarse and trout fishing licence costs just £24.50 and a salmon and sea trout licence costs £66.50. There is a range of concessionary, junior, eight-day and one day licences. 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 by phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

Fishing 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 doing so face tough penalties, including fines of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing.