Responibility of Fisheries.

[Ferg]

Firstly I know that this type of thread has been opened before but in light of the EA clampdown I thought it ready for another airing.

 

I have just been reading an article in this weeks Angling Times about the EA targeting certain fisheries in each region of the country they presumably have information that there is a lot of illegal fishing going on ie fishing without licences (sorry I can't attach the article but I'm not sure how I would stand regards copyright).

 

Does the forum think that

 

a Fisheries should be, I think forced is too strong a word so lets say encouraged to check that every angler who uses their fishery has an EA Rod licence,

 

b Be allowed to sell the EA Rod licence,

 

and c If these EA Bailiffs go to a fishery and find that there are a lot of people fishing without a licence should the fishery be fined as well as individual anglers.

 

I think that if a few fisheries had some sort of action taken against them for not checking Licences then the word would soon filter down and more would actually check. You always see posters up saying you need an EA licence but I have only ever fished at 1 where the owner of the fishery was also a water bailiff and he always checked (1 year I forgot to get my Licence, went to said fishery and then had to wait for the local Post Office to open to get a Licence before I could fish).

 

Your thoughts please guys.

[MordenMike]

I have had my licence checked by the EA 3 times since June each time at the same fishery (BuryHill) out

of about 10 visits , which would seem to bear out AT's claim. Although I think this may be down to pure

convenience on their (the EA's) part.

I agree Ferg that the fisheries should be able to sell licences and but also the EA bailifs should be able to sell

them on the banks. I reckon it would be a lot easier than chasing the non licence holders through the courts

(assuming you can get them there) for a small fine.

[Mat Hillman]

In theory it would be great if fisheries were to check licences and turn away anglers who couldn't produce one.

 

In practice though it'd be pretty unworkable - how would I buy tickets by post (Club books etc) I'd be without my licence for a week or more if I had to post it off with my chub membership renewal! Which would mean I wouldn't be able to take a trip to a day-ticket water during that time!

 

And how about buying tickets for someone else? I'm in the middle of sorting out a day trip for around 15 mates - it's bad enough getting cheques of them all to cover their share, without having to get everyones licence, send it off with the day ticket money and then arrange to return them all to thier owners!

 

Mat

[ayjay]

Your thoughts please guys.

 

What's your definition of a fishery?

 

If you are talking about commercials I can see the point, but how will this work on venues with no one on site, such as most river fisheries.

[chesters1]

it would be easy with a club to make it a rule that the EA rod licence is produced to get a permit ,but why should they its the EA's job to get licence dodgers not the club ,the club are not using the rods only providing facilities where they can be used if the rod owner wishes to.

if a club got a small reward for ensuring their members were legally entiteled to use a rod then great but their not .

commercials also could ask for a licence but also wont because of the same reason.

a EA licence isnt like a car licence where you take a test "proving" you ability to fish correctly its purely a tax on using a rod nothing different from a tv licence ,does the company that sold you your tv check up a year later to ensure you still have a tv licence for the next year .nope so why should clubs when theres no law saying they should or no financial reward if they did.

a 24th of the licence fee paid to clubs for every member they check would be far less than the bother of sending EA tax enforcers round to do it themselves but ofcourse sense and gov departments are strangers to each other ,both win the EA can concentrate on other waters and the club gains monetarily.cant see it happening myself

Edited September 27, 2006 by chesters1

[Ferg]

Agree wit Matt and Mark. If you guys are organising stuff you would be like me. I would always check that anyone going on a fishing jaunt would have a licence.

 

Yes it's the commercials that need to check more. they always charge if you want to use a keepnet (an extra 1 - 2 quid) but they never ask to see your licence (i've been to 5 commercials in the last 2 weeks from Dorset to the North West and have never been asked to see my licence).

 

To answer Chesters1 argument surely its in the interest of any club who has waters that all their members have an EA Licence. I know its one of the things neccesary to join, renew with the club is your EA licence number.

[chesters1]

why is it in the clubs interest? they want the permit money nothing more.

i check permits if i had to collate ea licences as well i would quit as bailiff i do have a life as well ,its bad enough in some cases getting their permit number never mind listening to excuses for not having their license as well

Edited September 27, 2006 by chesters1

[Dick Dastardly]

I remember when nearly all clubs made you produce your rod licence before issuing a membership.I have never known a day ticket fishery do this...............doesnt take much to work out why!

 

No one gives a toss anymore they are just out for them selves.Just a sign of the times in general.

[Elton]

Not sure if you have to now (as the tackle shop owner knows and trusts me), but you used to have to produce your licence to get a season ticket for our club.

 

PS I think those on here organising fish-ins should reserve the right to check attendee's licences (which they could do as licence holders themselves, anyway).

[Mat Hillman]

The local club I'm a member of checks both club book and EA Licence on the bank. Although saying that I've only had mine checked twice all season!

 

Mat