Fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels in England and Wales and the Border Esk in Scotland requires a licence from the Environment Agency. Failure to have a licence is an offence. Those caught fishing illegally face tough penalties, including fines of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing.

A small number of anglers believe a licence is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This is not the case. All rod licences expire on March 31. For 2007/2008 a full season coarse and trout fishing licence costs just £24.50 and a salmon and sea trout licence costs £66.50.

There is also a range of concessionary, junior, eight-day and one day licences. The almost three million people who receive Disability Living Allowance in England and Wales are eligible for a half price fishing licence.

The protection of vulnerable fish stocks and increasing fishing participation are among the Environment Agency's key environmental goals. The money raised through rod licence sales; some £19m, is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers.

Buying a new licence couldn't be easier - around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.

In 2006 more than £600,000 was paid in fines and costs by more than 4,400 illegal anglers for fishing without a rod licence. In addition 40 anglers received cautions from the courts.

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Edited By Paul Orford
Don't get caught out !! The Environment Agency WILL prosecute anyone found to be fishing without a licence ... and quite rightly so. The Environment Agency carry out some excellent work protecting our fisheries and fish stocks so don't go fishing without a licence.