A warning has been issued to anglers that during the close season, Environment Agency water bailiffs will be out on rivers and streams making sure people are observing the close season.
They will also be checking lakes and ponds to make sure people who are fishing have a valid rod licence.
And the agency warns that anyone fishing without a rod licence will have their details recorded and may be prosecuted.
"During this period
there are still many opportunities for people to fish on the numerous stillwater fisheries in the Anglian Region and a lot of anglers will be out on the bank,"warned Nigel Tomlinson, Environment Agency Anglian Region fisheries specialist.
"But remember that a rod licence is needed so make sure you have a new licence from April 1."
From Saturday, June 16 anglers will be able to fish for coarse fish again in rivers and other waters where the close season applies, but they still need to have a valid rod licence and the permission of the landowner.
Anyone 12-years-old or over who wants to fish 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.
Rod licences expire on March 31, 2008. Buying a new licence could not be easier – around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets sell them; a direct debit can be set up, and they can be bought over the phone (0870 1662662) or at the agency website at www.environment-agency.
gov.uk/rodlicence any time of day or night.
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