November 14, 2017 11.36 am This story is over 76 months old

Man caught fishing without licence in Lincoln handed hefty fine

The Environment Agency is using the case as an example after he was given a hefty fine.

A man has been ordered to pay a £1,393 penalty after he was found fishing without a licence in Lincoln.

Wayne Dickens of The Square, Bestwood Village, Nottingham, was found Strawberry Fields, in Langworth near Lincoln in June 2017.

He was in breach of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975) in June 2017.

The case heard at Wellingborough Magistrates Court on November 9 and was brought by the Environment Agency.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £346 plus costs.

The Environment Agency is using the case to remind anglers of the importance of having a rod licence.

Steve Powell, Enforcement Team Manager for the Environment Agency said: “It’s important that all anglers understand how seriously the courts take these offences and we hope it will provide as 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.

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 £30 and is available online or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.