Remember your rod licence!
From the EA
The Environment Agency, today, reminded all anglers to ensure they have a valid rod licence before heading out to try their luck fishing, as all previous licences expired on March 31.
“Buying a new licence couldn’t be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night,” explained Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans.
“However, a number of anglers believe a licence is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This is not case. All rod licences expire on March 31.”
The reminder comes as more than 4,300 anglers appeared in front of judges across England and Wales in 2007 for fishing without a valid rod licence. They paid nearly £610,000 in fines and costs. In addition 35 anglers received cautions from the courts, a man from Hastings was banned from fishing for one year and a man from Staines was banned for two and a half years. Already, in January and February 2008 more than 1,200 anglers were prosecuted and ended up paying nearly £170,000 in fines and costs, with five anglers receiving cautions.
Anyone 12 years old or over who wants to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels in England and Wales and the Border Esk in Scotland requires a licence from the Environment Agency. Failure to have a licence is an offence. Those caught fishing illegally face tough penalties, including fines of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing.
For 2008/2009 a full season coarse and trout fishing licence costs just £25 and a salmon and sea trout licence costs £68. There is also a range of concessionary, junior, eight-day and one day licences. In addition, the almost three million people who receive Disability Living Allowance in England and Wales are eligible for a reduced price rod licence.
Disabled anglers will need to confirm their eligibility for the concession by showing either a valid Blue Badge, or one of the standard letters from the Department of Work And Pensions that confirm current receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
To buy your new licence online today - just look for the EA icon on the left hand side of the screen above the calendar.