Fishing without licence costs Ringwood angler George Cooper nearly £400

FISHING without a rod licence resulted in a Ringwood angler being told by magistrates to cough up nearly £400.

George Cooper fished for freshwater fish or eels at Hightown Lake in the town with an unlicensed rod and line on 31st May 2022, Swindon Magistrates’ Court was told.

Found guilty in his absence, Cooper was fined £220 and ordered to pay another £169 in court charges.

The case was brought by the Environment Agency.

A spokesperson said afterwards: “We hope the penalties received by the illegal anglers will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws we have in place across England.

“Fishing illegally can incur a fine of up to £2,500 and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized.

“We inspect rod licences 24/7, seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing.

“Illegal fishing undermines the Environment Agency’s efforts to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable.”