We rely on rod licence income to work with partners to protect and improve fisheries. Find out what we do with this money: 
The vast majority of anglers are law abiding and own a rod licence. However, a few people cheat their fellow anglers and try to evade the law. Others fish illegally, putting fish stocks at risk. They do not always succeed.
They do not always succeed
Last year we checked over 80,000 licences and prosecuted over 2700 licence cheats. We also prosecuted 138 people for poaching offences. Between them, they were ordered to pay fines of over £335,000.
The maximum fine for fishing without a licence is £2,500. The maximum fine for poaching is £50,000.
How to report illegal fishing
Have you seen something that doesn't look right? Help us stop people damaging your sport. If you see anyone fishing illegally, please don't approach them yourself. Call us on 0800 80 70 60 and tell us:
- exactly where the alleged offence is happening
- what is happening
- the methods used
- how many people are involved and a description of them
- a description and the registration numbers of any vehicles
- whether it is happening at that moment
- whether this happens regularly at this location
Please leave a contact number so we can call you back.
Would you like to help?
We are working with the Angling Trust on a pilot volunteer bailiff scheme in the southeast. Find out how you can help.
The ones that didnt get away
