£600 for fishing without a licence

Macclesfield Magistrates Court has fined three men a total of £605, plus £225 in costs and £45 in victim’s surcharges after they were all caught fishing without a licence.

William Smith, 39, of Ayres Road Manchester, Michael John McMillan, 51, of High Street, New Mills and Wayne Whylie, 44 of Century Way Macclesfield were all caught by Environment Agency bailiffs in October last year.

Fishing without a rod licence is contrary to section 27(a) of Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act.

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.

The money generated 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.

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 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 trout
Full season £26.00
Concessionary annual £17.25
Junior annual £5.00