He will be talking about some of his many tales on his journey so far. Also in attendance will be Ian Potts, Lee Sword and the Black Country's very own Des Taylor.
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which is a haven for bream; and a ‘natural fishery’ called Terry’s Pool, which is home to large carp, eels and pike.
“Earlswood is an attractive fishery, one that’s busy with both pleasure and match anglers,” said the CRT’s John Ellis. “We’re looking for a candidate with proposals for income growth, as well as enhancing the impact of our Let’s Fish programme. After being allowed to buy only one ticket apiece late last week, today (Monday, February 5) was when the remainder went on general sale, with a five ticket per angler maximum. That was meant to be at 12pm but owing to ‘unforeseen error with our ticket provider’,the Angling Trust changed that time to over 90 minutes earlier.
The result was that many hundreds who had planned to log on and take their pick at 12pm were left either empty-handed or having to choose a match they don’t really want to fish as many of their first choice tickets had already been snapped up. Anglers were quick to voice their discontent on their own social media accounts after comments on the Angling Trust Competitions page post were disabled, with eager competitors branding the mix up with ticket times "a total shambles."
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "We hope the penalties that these illegal anglers have received 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 and for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute. Illegal fishing undermines the Environment Agency’s efforts to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable. "Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of legal anglers." All the defendants were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates' Court on December 18. Kevin Pearson, Angling Trust Regional Enforcement Support Manager for the Midlands said "Whilst it is disappointing to see that some anglers still either refuse to buy a rod licence or fail to see its importance, it is equally pleasing to see that the courts are recognising the seriousness of unlicensed fishing and that the work of our partners in the Environment Agency, supported by our volunteers in the Voluntary Bailiff Service, is paying off. I would strongly urge anglers who are thinking about going fishing this week, but haven’t got a rod licence yet, to think again and take a few minutes to make that purchase and ensure that they are legal. It is so much better to have the peace of mind that you have done the right thing for angling and the environment and then be able to relax and enjoy your fishing!" Five of the anglers were convicted in their absence by magistrates of fishing without a licence at Earlswood Lakes, Earlswood, near Solihull, on May 7 last year. Each of them were handed a £150 fine, £135 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. They were:
A total of three anglers were also convicted in their absence of fishing without a licence at Buzzard Valley Fishery, Tamworth, on June 18 last year. The men were each handed a £150 fine, £135 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. They were:
Other anglers sentenced include:
One tackle shop – Premier Angling - was hit by a rising Bristol Avon and forced to close for a period. Angling Times columnist, Martin Bowler, implored the angling community to get behind the store.
“It’s a great shop run by great lads,” he said. “Please support them now they’ve re-opened. The Bristol Avon is out of control.” While not quite as directly affected as Premier Angling, tackle shops are often those hardest hit by floods – killing cashflow at what is a crucial time of year. Dave Harrell, a long-term proponent of scrapping the closed season, believes the current dates (March 15 – June 15) are ‘completely wrong’, and is urging the EA to make a change. “I hate to see tackle shops talking about closing down,” he said. “I guess due to climate change, conditions get worse every year, which stops people from trading. If shops had an extra three months of business – when the river levels are often excellent – it’d make a massive difference to them.” Figures released by the Environment Agency showed that rod licence sales were at their lowest this century, but Dave reckons an extended river season could stop this decline. “An extra three months of fishing when the weather is nice and the river levels are good would encourage more ‘occasional anglers’ to buy a licence and get on to the riverbank,” he explained. There are arguments over targeting spawning fish during the traditional closed season, but Dave believes empowering angling clubs is the key to finding the right balance. “Anglers know their local rivers better than anyone. With social media, an announcement can be released in an instant, should any species be spawning or vulnerable. We saw numerous clubs do this in summer, to protect fish in high temperatures,” he added. that the plastic-coated licences would be scrapped in a move to save the EA £230k, as well as make their operations more ‘environmentally friendly’.
Licences will be issued in digital format only from May this year, with an A4 letter available for those without access to a smartphone. As expected, the plans have been met by a barrage of criticism, with a large number voicing concerns over the move. The most impassioned came from Jerry Alderson, a GP from North Yorkshire in his late 50s. He’s written to his local MP about the matter, and is urging others to do the same. “This will push many older fishermen to give up their interest entirely, or to fish illegally, in my opinion,” he said. “It’s discriminatory against older people, as well as those who don’t carry a smartphone everywhere.” Jerry is also unconvinced by the Agency’s claim that the move is eco-friendly. “I contacted them to ask why they won’t issue a cardboard licence, as the National Trust do, but they said that cardboard isn’t as environmentally friendly as paper! What utter rubbish! “This is greenwashing the issue to push the digital agenda and reduce staff input. I would happily pay more to receive a licence card than a huge paper letter, which is hardly convenient or durable on a wet, muddy riverbank.” Take A Friend Fishing registration went live on 9th December, so you have plenty of time to plan that fishing trip with a friend.
Existing fishing licence holders can register for a FREE one-day fishing licence from the Environment Agency at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk to take someone they know fishing. Half terms, National and family holidays all provide opportunities for us to unwind, be with friends and interact with the environment around us. Taking a friend or family member on a fishing trip is a great way to spend time outdoors. Escaping modern life to build friendships, create lasting memories and just enjoy some time next to the water, is the ultimate in relaxation. Find out which fisheries, retailers, trade brands and other organisations are running special offers for Take A Friend licence applicants. A new experience for your winter holidays To access the Take a Friend Fishing initiative this winter between Friday 22nd December and Tuesday 2nd January (inclusive), existing fishing licence holders can register for a FREE one-day fishing licence from the Environment Agency at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk and take someone they know fishing. Get Involved with Angling this Winter With the pressures of modern life, physical health and mental wellbeing are more important than ever. The experience of a fishing trip together with a work colleague, family member, partner or just a mate, offers the ideal opportunity to unwind and recharge your battery, whilst being active at the same time. Find out more at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/#faqs Getting outside in the countryside is a great way to be together with family and friends and angling is the perfect fit for staying active outdoors, especially if you are staying in England or Wales over the Christmas holidays. There are many fisheries near to where you live that are perfect to visit for a catch-up with a friend during a quick Take a Friend Fishing trip together. Find out about where you can fish safely at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/#faqs Registering for a free one-day fishing licence couldn’t be easier. Simply visit www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/register-free-friend-fishing-licence/ select the date of your fishing trip, enter some basic information about you and your friend, and away you go! The free fishing licence will be sent with a confirmation email, so please remember to have your fishing licence and both people’s email addresses plus a few other details handy when you pre-register to Take a Friend Fishing. Take a Friend Fishing is an initiative run by Angling Trades Association in association with the Environment Agency and supported by Angling Trust, Canal & River Trust and many other angling organisations. Take a Friend Fishing opens up the world of angling to people from all age groups and communities, giving the opportunity for anglers and non-anglers alike, at all levels of ability, the chance to get into fishing or back into fishing after time away. Take a Friend Fishing has extended its annual programme to give the biggest window of opportunity yet to anglers, non-anglers and those thinking about reconnecting with the pastime they once enjoyed. This year, we want even more people to get their backside bankside and Take a Friend Fishing to show them just how easy it is to get into angling and experience the benefits of time out in nature. To relax and engage with nature and the outdoors is a rewarding experience especially with a friend and with a free one-day fishing licence from the Environment Agency worth £6.50 (coarse and non-migratory trout) it’s even easier to do.
across the UK, the Environment Agency has announced today, as part of a transitional move to simpler rod licences.
After 31 May 2024, anglers will have the option to receive a rod licence via email or text, or an A4 letter, and will no longer receive plastic coated rod licence cards with illustrations. Every penny of the £230,000 saved through reduced costs of printing rod licences will be reinvested into the Environment Agency’s fisheries work. Last year, nearly £21 million of rod licence income was reinvested to help improve England’s fisheries and angling facilities such as creating fish passes, supplying and stocking fish species and improving habitats for fish. Since 2021, over one million digital licences have been issued to anglers, helping to reduce waste and progress the Environment Agency towards carbon net zero targets. For the last 15 years, anglers have received rod licence cards with illustrations capturing the UK’s most iconic species such as the Gudgeon and the Perch. Artist David Miller has provided this service to the EA, adding an artistic flair to rod licensing. Heidi Stone Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager said: We understand the popularity of the images on our rod licence cards amongst anglers, and want to thank David Miller for his unique and inspirational illustrations over the years. As we look to deliver better value for money for anglers, we are changing our printing arrangements to print our licences in a more cost effective and environmentally friendly way. The money saved from this move will mean even more of our rod licence income can be put back into our fisheries service, protecting and improving fish stocks and habitats, providing new facilities for anglers, and giving more people the opportunity to try fishing. Anglers who purchase a rod licence after the 31 May will receive the new paper rod licence unless they choose to go digital. Direct Debit customers’ licences are issued before the service change is implemented; therefore, they will receive the same illustrated card as issued in 2023.
investment to encourage more people to give fishing a go for the first time in 2023.
Funded from fishing licence sales, grants of up to £2,500 are available to benefit angling-based projects. The funding could be used to help purchase equipment, fishing tackle and resources to run fishing events and activities to give people the opportunity to get into fishing. Guidance Notes and Application Form https://anglingtrust.net/funding/get-fishing-fund/ committing the offence on 7 May 2023.
He was fined £64, ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim’s surcharge of £25. The annual close season (from March 15 - June 15) prevents fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England, helping to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks. Environment Agency officers conduct patrols to ensure anglers respect this no fishing period. Following the verdict, Nichola Tomlinson, Fisheries Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said: “This case shows how seriously the courts take these offences and we hope the high penalties will act as a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing during the close season. “Our fisheries enforcement team work seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing. For those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute.” The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported. Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. |
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