Fishing without a valid rod licence has cost six men over £ 1,200 in fines and costs recently, in cases brought by Environment Agency Wales. In February the Agency in Wales and England had 159 successful prosecutions for similar offences, resulting in fines totalling £ 7,423 and the courts awarding costs of £ 7,935 to the Agency.
At Dolgellau Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 March 2003:
John Neville Andrews of Bloomfield Terrace, Tipton, West Midlands pleaded guilty to fishing without a licence on the River Dysynni near Tywyn on 29 July 2002. He was fined £ 75 and ordered to pay costs of £ 55.
Graham James Hillyer of Harmers Lake Farm, Hill Road North, Helsby, Cheshire was convicted in his absence of fishing without a licence on the River Wnion near Bont Y Wernddu on 12 October 2002. He was fined £ 75 and ordered to pay costs of £ 55.
At Abergavenny Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 March 2003:
David Rigden of Boyle Close, Malpas, Newport had pleaded guilty by post and was fined £ 200 to fishing without a licence at Bassaleg Weir on 10 October 2002. He was fined an additional £ 100 for failing to give his name and address to an Agency officer when requested, contrary to Section 35(3) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. He was also ordered to pay £ 55 in costs to the Agency.
Stuart Arnold of Worrall Hill, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire pleaded guilty by post to fishing without a licence at Bigswell Fishery, Tintern on 6 September 2002.
Andrew Gibson of Penny Crescent, Malpas, Newport, pleaded guilty by post to fishing without a licence at Bassaleg Weir on the River Ebbw on 10 October 2002.
Both men were fined £ 200 and each ordered to pay £ 55 costs to the Agency.
At Bridgend Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24 March 2003:
William John Evans of Hillcrest Drive, Porth, Rhondda was convicted in his absence of fishing without a licence at Treoes Pond, Bridgend on 10 August 2002. He was fined £ 100 and ordered to pay £ 55 towards the costs of the Agency.
Following the hearings an Agency spokesperson said: “Those who choose to fish without first buying a licence are depriving the Agency, and licensed fishermen, of income that would be re-invested in improving fishing in Wales. This case shows it does not pay, in the long run. Don’t get a fine – get a licence.”
Buying a licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 17,000 Post Offices and other outlets throughout Wales and England which sell them direct; and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or from our web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish.
Anyone aged 12 or over, who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency rod fishing licence.
Licence Fees 2003/2004:
Migratory Salmonid
Licence Type
Full £ 61
Concessionary £ 30.50
8-day £ 18.00
1-day £ 6.00
Coarse & Trout
Licence Type
Full £ 22
Concessionary £ 11
8-day £ 7.00
1-day £ 2.75
Junior £ 5
