23 illegal anglers in West Midlands land in reel trouble

Agency staff were out in force across the West Midlands over the bank holiday weekend in a bid to catch anglers who were fishing without a rod licence.

Over the three-day weekend enforcement officers found 396 anglers fishing legally at locations across the region.

Officers used their local knowledge to catch offenders and 23 were reported for fishing without a valid licence.

Mick Hyde, environmental crime and fisheries enforcement team leader said: "We are passionate about making the sport of angling the best it can be and we take our job of protecting angling, fisheries and the environment very seriously.

"The vast majority of anglers who fish legally deserve to see those who flout the law brought to account.

"To that criminal minority our message is clear; we won't hesitate to take action to stop illegal fishing.

"Nearly one million anglers have a rod licence and legally enjoy the sport of fishing; we're urging everyone to get their licence online before they next go fishing."

For the minority of anglers who flout the rules, the most common offence is fishing without a valid licence. Fishing without a valid licence could land you with a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal record.

Over the bank holiday weekend across England, Environment Agency enforcement officers checked 3,127 and reported 237 for fishing illegally.

Overall in the last year, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Midlands enforcement officers checked 5,584 licences and reported 265 for fishing illegally.

Any angler aged 12 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.

The crackdown came just days after a Tipton angler was ordered to pay nearly £600 in court.

Jan Bukowski, of Tudor Court, was caught by Environment Agency officers as part of Operation Stone, targeting illegal fishing on July 19, 2015 on the River Severn in Worcestershire.

He was ordered to pay £567.47 in fines and costs by Redditch magistrates court last Thursday after pleading guilty to four charges.

To help the continuing crackdown on unlicenced fishing Environment Agency bosses have urged people to report illegal activity by calling them on 0800 80 70 60 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.