Environment Agency bailiffs will be patrolling waters in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk over the May Bank Holiday checking anglers have a valid rod licence and are fishing legally.

Ian Hirst, of the Environment Agency, said: “Anyone found fishing without a licence will be issued with an offence ticket and will almost certainly end up in court. Our bailiffs patrol still waters and rivers throughout the year but bank holidays are a particularly busy time. “We take rod licence evasion very seriously and anyone thinking of fishing without one should watch out – there will be a bailiff about. “In addition, the coarse fish close season on rivers runs until 15 June so no one should be fishing the rivers until then. This applies whether or not they have a licence.” Every penny the Environment Agency receives from rod licence sales is spent improving fisheries. Essential work such as surveying, disease control, restocking, habitat improvement and commenting on potentially harmful planning applications is carried out by fisheries staff, who also carry out enforcement. Ian said: “People who don’t buy a licence are cheating their sport and other anglers. We therefore urge fishing enthusiasts to help us crackdown on unlicensed anglers by reporting this illegal activity to us on 0800 80 70 60. By working together, we can help to improve the sport and rivers for the people who pay for the right to fish them.” Anglers must be in possession of a licence before fishing and must be able to produce it when requested by an Environment Agency bailiff or other authorised person. There are junior and concessionary priced licences. Licences may be bought from post offices, via the Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish) or by dialling 08701 662662 (telesales). They run from 1 April to 31 March and two are required if an angler is using three or four rods. Anyone caught without a valid rod licence can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500.

Wednesday 25 May 2011: