The new season on rivers opens this Friday, 16th June and the Environment Agency is reminding all anglers to buy a rod licence.
Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dr David Clarke commented:
“For many people a day out fishing offers a welcome distraction from the rigours of modern life-for others it will offer the perfect calming tonic after the adrenalin rush of watching European Championship football.
“However-anglers should be as determined to avoid penalties as the England football team, and must ensure they are fully prepared for the new fishing season to kick off-by purchasing a valid rod licence.”
“The Agency will continue to tackle licence dodgers, and it is our policy to prosecute offenders who risk a fine of up to £ 2,500.”
Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have a valid Environment Agency rod fishing licence.
Dr Clarke continued:
“Angling is recognised as one of this country’s biggest participation sports, and has some famous devotees, including England goalkeeper David Seaman. However as David will be more concerned with catching balls than fish over the next few weeks, and with other anglers glued to their televisions-this could be the perfect opportunity for any budding anglers to give the sport a try.
“Buying a licence is easier than ever, and by purchasing a rod licence anglers are not only fulfilling a legal requirement but they are also helping to fund essential Environment Agency work involving the protection and improvement of our fisheries.
“This year, for example, much of the money raised from coarse fish licence sales will be used to deliver a programme of fisheries improvements in urban areas where opportunities for angling are often limited.
“Over £ 410,000 of rod licence income will be spent directly on a large number of fisheries schemes across all Environment Agency regions. These projects will include habitat enhancement schemes on rivers, coarse fish passes and improvements in access and fishing potential of stillwaters in urban areas.
“Fisheries money can also help in attracting partnership funds that can lead to additional improvements to the anglers’ environment. This year most Agency regions are producing informative fisheries magazines and these will include details of the work being undertaken in an area close to you.”
Licences are available at all Post Offices across England and Wales and some categories of licence including full licences and junior concessionary licences are available over the telephone for credit/debit cardholders.
The telephone number for anglers to call to use the “telesales” licence service is 0870 1662662.
The telesales service will operate from 8am to 8pm seven days a week-(except bank holidays when it is 9am to 5pm. Payment can be made by credit/debit card and the licence will be immediately valid, as a licence number will be issued at the time of sale.
Rod Licence Duties for 2000/2001 are:
Coarse and trout
Full £ 19.00
Concessionary £ 9.50
8-day £ 6.50
1-day £ 2.50
Salmon
Full £ 58.00
Concessionary £ 29.00
8-day £ 16.50
1-day £ 5.50
