Midlands Men Fined Over Fishing Without Licences
Four men from the Midlands have been hit with hefty fines after getting caught fishing without licences. The crackdown by the Environment Agency sends a clear message: fish illegally and face the consequences. The fines, totalling £1,342, were handed down at Northampton Magistrates Court on Monday, 4 April 2024.
Who Got Caught?
- Kingsley Vickers, 29, from Leicester, was fined £373 for fishing without a licence at Bluebell Lakes, Oundle, on 2 November 2023.
- Lee Hanson, 34, from Leicestershire, faced a £375 fine for the same offence at Bluebell Lakes.
- Paul Remer, 62, from Narborough, Leicestershire, was fined £403 for unauthorised fishing at Peatling Parva Pools on 25 October 2023.
- Darius Hodgson, 43, from Arnold, Nottingham, got a £191 fine for fishing at Butterley Reservoir, Ripley, on 18 November 2023.
For a mere £7.10 you can get a day’s fishing licence—much cheaper than the fines these men paid.
Environment Agency Cracks Down
“We hope the penalties that these illegal anglers have received will act as a deterrent to anyone thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws in place across England. Illegal fishing not only incurs hefty fines but can also lead to seizure of fishing equipment,” said an Environment Agency spokesperson.
“Money raised from fishing licence sales protects and improves fish stocks and fisheries, benefiting lawful anglers. Our officers work tirelessly, checking licences 24/7, to ensure compliance and sustainability in our fisheries.”
Get Your Licence and Fish Legally
Anyone over 13 must have a licence to fish in rivers, canals, or stillwaters. Licences are easy to get online or by phone, with annual licences starting at £35.80. Junior licences (ages 13-16) are free, encouraging young anglers to fish legally and responsibly.
The Environment Agency also urges the public to report any illegal fishing activity to help protect the nation’s fisheries and keep fishing fair for everyone.
