PATROLS are being stepped up on Worcestershire’s two main rivers in a bid to catch anglers fishing illegally.
Over the next two weeks, the Environment Agency will be using boats on the rivers Severn and Avon to get to out of the way places where access is difficult, or where illegal anglers would get advance warning of arrival on foot.
Team leader Al Watson, said: “As well as anglers catching fish that the closed season is intended to protect, we are also seeking evidence of people using set lines – lines tied to the bank and left overnight. The lines kill fish indiscriminately and damage fish stocks.”
The closed season lasts from March 15 to June 15 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. From Saturday, June 16, anglers will be able to fish for coarse fish again in rivers and other waters where the closed season applies, but they still need to have a valid rod licence and the consent of the landowner.
Mr Watson said: “It may be closed season for coarse fish, but it’s open season for illegal anglers as far as the agency’s concerned. We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone we find fishing illegally.”
