Pair face £2,500 fine for angling illegally in Shrewsbury
Eagle-eyed dog walkers spotted fishermen illegally casting their lines along the banks of the River Severn in Shrewsbury.
They immediately called the police as well as the river bailiff who caught the men red-handed.
The pair now face a fine of up to £2,500 for fishing out of season and also had their tackle confiscated.
The men were not only fishing without a licence but were also fishing illegally on Pimley Waters at the rear of Sundorne Sports Village, as the fishing season doesn't open until June 16.
Rod licences are needed by anyone over the age of 12.
Shropshire Anglers' Federation Chairman John Roberts said: "It is imperative any angler should be in possession of an Environment Agency fishing licence before attempting to go fishing.
"It also also important to obtain permission to fish any water, river or pool. These permissions in many cases are simple enough via either a day or annual permit.
"More importantly, we have various 'close seasons' for fishing. These are very much species-dependent. Defending yourself with 'I didn't know' just is not sufficient. It is the responsibility of the fisherman to know or indeed find out what they need to know.
"In this instance, we had two individuals with seven rods on the river. To fish this combination they would need to hold no less than four Environment Agency licences, as one licence permits two rods.
"They had nothing other than one expired licence dated from last year.
"All angling sportsmen obey the given rules. What is good for one is good for another and this is how it should be. Decide to ignore such detail simply will be at your cost.
"In Shrewsbury in particular, half a dozen bailiffs cover roughly 10 miles of river bank and four pools. The odds are relatively high in being approached and asked to show their licences."
West Mercia Police says it works closely with the Environment Agency and The Angling Trust under Operation Leviathan, which targets fish theft, illegal angling and anti-social behaviour.
A force spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of illegal fishing on Saturday. This resulted in officers attending to support the bailiff. The partnership supports angling clubs in preventing fish theft and poaching."
It is an offence to take any fish away from a canal or reservoir under the 1968 Theft Act and Environment Agency by-laws.
Police are urging people to report poaching to police on 101 or the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
