Lancaster Magistrates Court fined five men a total of 870 GBP and ordered them to pay 375 GBP in costs (Friday 5 June) after they were all caught fishing, or intending to fish without a valid rod licence.
Lancaster Magistrates Court fined five men a total of 870 GBP and ordered them to pay 375 GBP in costs (Friday 5 June) after they were all caught fishing, or intending to fish without a valid rod licence.
All defendants were caught red-handed by Environment Agency bailiffs at various fisheries and water bodies across Lancaster in March.
Richard McIlwain, Fisheries Technical Specialist said: “The money generate by rod licences is ploughed directly back into improving fishing for all anglers. Those who do not buy a licence cheat anglers out of vital investment into their sport.”
Fishing without a rod licence is contrary to section 27(a) of Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Anyone aged over 12 who fishes for Salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England, Wales or the Border Esk in Scotland, is required by law to have a rod licence.
Ends
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Note to Editors
Anglers are also being reminded that a close season for coarse fish is still in force on all rivers, streams and drains in the region, but they can fish on most still-waters and canals.
This annual closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive, and is designed to protect fish whilst they are breeding, to help preserve and boost fish stocks.
*Coarse and non-migratory tout
Full season 26.00 GBP
Concessionary annual 17.25 GBP
Junior annual 5.00 GBP
8 day 9.50 GBP
1 day 3.50 GBP
Salmon and sea trout
Full annual 70.00 GBP
Concessionary annual 46.50 GBP
Junior annual 5.00 GBP
8 day 22.50 GBP
1 day 7.75 GBP
Concession licences apply if:
• Aged 16 or under (Junior)
• Aged 65 or over
• You are in receipt of a Blue Badge parking concession, or a Disability Living Allowance
Rod licences are available from Post Office outlets throughout England, Wales and those within the Border Esk catchment in Scotland, online (at www.postoffice.co.uk), by direct debit and over the telephone on 0844 800 5386. Phone lines are open from 8:30am to 8:00pm daily from March to September and 8:30am – 6:00pm from October to February.
Defendants:
1. David Andrews, 47, of Hesketh Road, Ormskirk, fined 350 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs (proved in absence) for fishing without a rod licence at Wyreside Lakes Fishery, nr Dolphinholme.
2. Christopher Hill, 30, of Eckersley Street, Wigan, fined 175 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs (proved in absence) for fishing without a rod licence at Wyreside Lakes Fishery, nr Dolphinholme.
3. Simon Joseph Lewis Swain, 22, of Burholme Road, Preston, pleaded guilty and fined 115 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs, for fishing without a rod licence at Briar Croft Fishery, St Michaels.
4. Simon Robert Swain, 49, of Burholme Road, Preston, pleaded guilty and fined 130 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs, for fishing without a rod licence at Briar Croft Fishery, St Michaels.
5. Stuart Beeley, 25, of Chancery Close, Manchester, pleaded guilty and fined 100 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs for fishing without a rod licence at Borwick Lake, Carnforth.
