In April of this year the Environment Agency successfully prosecuted 328 people for rod licence related offences. The month’s fines totalled £ 22,233, with costs of £ 20,200 awarded to the Agency.
On average these unlicensed fishing trips cost each angler £ 124. The month’s highest fine was £ 500 for a defendant in Eastbourne who was highly abusive towards an Environment Agency bailiff. The highest costs were £ 400 for a defendant in Dorking.
Dafydd Evans, the Agency’s Head of Fisheries, said, “These figures clearly show that evasion doesn’t pay and that it can work out a lot more expensive than buying a rod licence.
“We carried out our first rod licence blitz of the year over the May bank holiday weekend and there will be a second one in June. Those that have not yet bought a licence should do so to avoid facing the prospect of a fine.
“All money raised from rod licence sales is reinvested back into the sport, benefiting anglers across England and Wales.”
Buying a licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 17,000 Post Offices and other outlets 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.
