Scarborough anglers without licences slapped with £600 costs

The Environment Agency is reminding anglers of the importance of having a rod licence, after two men were ordered to pay over £600 each after being found guilty of fishing without a licence.
Scarborough Magistrates' CourtScarborough Magistrates' Court
Scarborough Magistrates' Court

Robert Ferguson, of Herdborough Road, Eastfield, and Connor Baker, of Northwold Road, Eastfield, were each fined £440, ordered to pay £127 costs and a £44 victim surcharge after being found in breach of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975) in August 2015.

On August 23 2015, Environment Agency bailiffs found both men breaking the rules at Rosedale Fishery, Hunmanby.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The case, heard at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday, was brought by the Environment Agency.

Following the verdict, Peter Mischenko, from the Environment Agency, said: “It is vital that anglers obey the laws relating to rod licences and we won’t hesitate to take action to stop illegal fishing. Hopefully this will act as a deterrent for any angler thinking of fishing illegally. All the money raised from rod licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefitting anglers. Those cheating the system will be prosecuted.”

Every year across the country, thousands of anglers are prosecuted for breaking the law. As well as swindling other anglers, fishing illegally can carry a hefty penalty. Getting caught without a licence could land you with a fine of up to £2,500.

Any angler aged 12 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. An annual licence costs from just £27 (concessions available).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can buy your rod licence at your local Post Office, from the Post Office’s website at www.postoffice.co.uk/rod-fishing-licence, or by phoning 0344 800 5386.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.