This enforcement activity is part of a national rod licence blitz at fisheries that are known to have a higher-than-average rod licence evasion rate. Officers in the Environment Agency’s Midlands Environmental Crime Team checked 1417 anglers over the course of the weekend and 121 offences were recorded.
Environmental Crime Team leader Al Watson said:
“Every licence evasion means less money to spend on protecting and improving the nation’s fisheries. Anglers will spend a lot of money on fishing tackle, day tickets, bait and travel, so it is disappointing that they fail to buy a £27 rod licence. At 52p per week it is great value.
Anglers risk losing their equipment when they avoid buying a licence. They can easily buy one from a Post Office, on-line or by telephone. If anglers sign up to buy their rod licence by direct debit, we will automatically post their new licence each year in time for the new season – there is no excuse.”
