LICENCE DODGERS CAUGHT

Enforcement teams made checks on more than 371 anglers at 51 waters across Sussex between April 29 and May 1 and caught 26 people fishing illegally who were cheating honest anglers.

Michael Turner of the Environment Agency's Sussex Fisheries Team said: "Fishing without a licence is an offence and those caught fishing illegally face tough penalties, including fines of up to 2,500 and a ban from fishing. The message is sinking in with evading anglers, as no offences were reported on 41 of the 51 waters checked.

"Our officers directed maximum effort to waters where we believed cheats would be present. People who fish without a licence are cheating the system and their fellow anglers. Around 19m is raised through rod licences nationally and invested in fisheries work that benefits all anglers, fish stocks and the waterside environment. We will continue with our blitz programme to bring rod licence evasion down."

However, a number of anglers believed a licence was valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This is not case. All rod licences expire on March 31. The reminder comes after almost 600,000 was paid in fines and costs by more than 4,600 illegal anglers in 2005. On average, these illegal fishing trips cost anglers 128 each in fines and costs. A full season coarse and trout licence costs just 24.

Michael Turner added: "Our staff are better equipped than ever. With access to databases at the call of a mobile phone enforcement officers can verify address and licence details, including whether they purchased a licence the previous year. All this makes catching licence evaders an easier process."