Andy Brown, North West Regional Fisheries Specialist, said: "Anyone aged over 12 who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk in Scotland is required to have a rod licence by law.

"If you're caught fishing without a licence your tackle could be seized and you could face a fine of up to £2,500."

During the recent May Bank Holiday blitz approximately 1,000 anglers were checked for licences and a total of 54 offences were recorded.

Last year nearly 700 people were prosecuted for fishing without a licence in the North West and were fined over £93,000, including costs.

Of the five worst evasion sites in the region, 29% of anglers checked had no licence or were found to be committing an offence.


Brown continued: "Money from rod licence sales is ploughed directly back into improving facilities and getting more people out fishing, protecting vulnerable fish stocks and habitat improvements.

"Those who dodge the licence fees cheat fellow anglers of vital investment into their sport."

Rod licences cost as little as £3.50 for one day's coarse and trout fishing and there is also a range of weekly, full year, concessionary and junior licences.

For more information log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence or call 0870 166 2662.

For more information on local North West fishing venues and local byelaws log on www.environment-agency.gov.uk.