Last week, Midlands Fishery Enforcement Officers took to the River Avon in a canoe to check rod licences.

The patrol along the River Avon at Pershore marked the opening of the new coarse fishing season on rivers. Officers checked 30 licences along the River Avon and were pleased to report back that all 30 anglers had valid licences with them.

Team Leader Al Watson said "This method enables us to cover both banks at once. Foot patrols cover one bank at a time. In the time taken to cross to the other bank an offender can be packed up and gone. On this occasion, all anglers had a valid licence with them, but this is not always the case.”

Anglers are reminded to make sure that they have a valid rod licence before they go fishing. Costs are held at last years prices (£27 per adult for a full year) and are available from Post Offices, on-line at our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by telephone (0844 800 5386).

Reports of poachers' set-lines and traps have been on the increase. "The canoe gets us up-close to the vegetation to spot set-lines that are almost impossible to detect from the bank" said Al. "Anybody who notices suspicious activity should call us immediately on 0800 807060 and give us as much information as possible. A good report gives us a much greater chance of catching poachers".