Almost 700 anglers caught fishing illegally

A team of bailiffs visited hundreds of waters, from Thirsk in the north to Sheffield in the south, between April 1, 2011, and March 30, this year.

They questioned 6,853 people and reported 697 anglers for fisheries offences. There were 448 successful prosecutions, with fines totalling £49,516 and the costs coming to £52,101.40.

The highest number of prosecutions in the region was 86 in Beverley, where fines added up to £5,375 and costs reached £9,936.

Peter Mischenko, fisheries technical officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Our bailiffs routinely patrol still-water fisheries, canals and rivers all over the region, and we will not hesitate to prosecute when an offence has been committed.

“It can cost as little as £27 to buy a rod licence and all of the money goes back into maintaining, improving and protecting our fisheries.

“Those who choose not to buy a licence are not only breaking the law, but are cheating honest anglers. We are continually looking at new ways to protect our fisheries.”