Wellingborough man fined for fishing illegally

Sean McMaster, of Priory Road, was fined £457 yesterday (April 12) after being found in breach of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975) in August 2015.

McMaster was found to be fishing at Castle Ashby Lake, Wellingborough, without a rod licence on August 2, 2015.

The case heard at Northampton Magistrates’ Court was brought by the Environment Agency.

Following the verdict, a spokesman said: “We are pleased with the outcome and hope that it will provide a deterrent for any angler thinking of fishing without a licence.

“All the money raised from rod licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefitting anglers, and those cheating the system will be prosecuted.”

Every year across the country, thousands of anglers are prosecuted for not having a fishing licence.

The maximum fine for those caught without a licence is £2,500.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 61 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

An annual licence costs from just £27 with concessions available.

Rod licences can be bought online, at your local Post Office or by phoning 0344 800 5386.