Angling News - Blackcountryfishing

TAKE A FRIEND FISHING THIS EASTER!

1/4/2023

The Take a Friend Fishing scheme is back for 2023 and kicks off this Easter holiday!

Running from Saturday 1st of April to Sunday 16th of April (inclusive), 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 for the first time.

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.

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.

In 2022 over 6,000 people registered to take part in Take a Friend Fishing. Now Take a Friend Fishing is back with an extended programme that gives the biggest window of opportunity yet to anglers, non-anglers and those thinking about reconnecting with the pastime they once enjoyed.

Andrew Race, Chairman of the Angling Trades Association (ATA), says: "After the success of Take a Friend Fishing in 2022, I am looking forward to building momentum again in 2023 with an extended programme. Take a Friend Fishing is capable of making such a difference, not only to the long-term development of angling recruitment, but also to people’s lives. Angling is a proven therapy both mentally and physically and it knows no boundaries in terms of ability, age, sex, or background."

ILLEGAL FISHING AND HOW TO REPORT IT

16/3/2023

As an angler, all you want is the chance to go fishing. A trip to the waterside never fails to offer the prospect of some decent sport and a hassle-free existence for a few blissful hours.

But what happens when someone spoils it?

You’re minding your own business and then suddenly realise that someone close by seems to be doing something they shouldn’t.

It could be the use of illegal methods to catch or trap. You might suspect they don’t have permission to fish the water they’re on or you’ve seen them removing fish from a venue?

What do you do? Simply ignore it, or do you safeguard your own commitment to responsible fishing and decide to report it? Assuming it’s the latter, who do you report it to?
The dilemma in such situations is always sharp. As a law-abiding angler, you’re opposed to what you see, but naturally your inclination is to shy away from getting involved. But in short, you don’t really have to. There are mechanisms in place that allow you to report, retain your anonymity and ultimately preserve your own safety.

So who you gonna call?

You can obviously inform the rights holder and there is also an Angling Trust Fisheries Enforcement Support Service that works to uphold the laws with a presence on a local basis. But in general terms, they or you, will escalate any suspicions to either the Environment Agency (EA) or the Police for lawful intervention. But which one and when?

Lack Of Fishing Licence

The Law

As an ordinary member of the public, it’s not your question to ask. Since 2009, only EA Fisheries Enforcement Officers, Phase 2 Angling Trust Volunteer Bailiffs, and the Police are warranted and empowered to demand sight of rod licences.

However, a club or controller of fishing rights has the legal right to refuse permission to anyone they do not wish to fish their waters. They can ask to see a person’s licence and refuse permission to an angler if they do not produce a valid licence. It is sensible for owners to include in their rules that all anglers fishing their waters must produce a fishing licence to a club or fishery ‘bailiff’ or their agent.

(a ‘Water Keeper’ in law) That person is then authorised to do the appropriate checks. Failure to produce a valid fishing licence after an authorised request could result in internal club discipline proceedings, the matter being reported to the EA for further investigation and potentially, a fine of up to £2,500 upon conviction in the courts.

What You Should Do

If you suspect someone of fishing without a licence, you can inform the rights holder or report your suspicions to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60. Licence compliance is an EA matter. It’s not one for the police.

Let’s be realistic here. A call about a single angler isn’t likely to induce an immediate call-out for inspection. On its own, that piece of information might well deter you from making the call in the first place. But be aware that ALL reports to the hotline number will support an intelligence-led enforcement programme.

When patterns emerge, EA & Police enforcement resources are deployed in the areas they are most needed. So while the oft-heard complaint of: “I reported it but nothing ever happens” is entirely understandable, the information from your call will never be wasted. It is logged and from there, the patterns emerge. The EA is not resourced to respond to every call, but ongoing reports from anglers and the consequent creation of that pattern, is vital to the programme.

Theft of Fish – The Law

The act of theft covers all styles of capture, whether by legal rod and line or illegal netting or trapping. If the catch is by illegal means, additional offences are potentially committed.

Stillwaters

Fish that are kept in enclosed still waters of single ownership are legally regarded as Property and are owned. Under this legal categorisation, the taking of fish without permission is therefore theft. For the purposes of clarity, the legal definition of ‘taking’ does not include the act of temporary capture by fair angling means. The intention to permanently deprive an owner of their property, is covered by Sections 1 – 7 of the Theft Act, 1968. Practical examples would include taking ‘one for the pot’, or to re stock a large valuable carp in another water. In both instances the owner is permanently deprived of those fish.

Rivers

In law, fish in rivers are considered wild and free to roam, so are not owned until reduced into property by catching. Fish in rivers cannot, therefore, be stolen. However, although the theft definition does not apply, if fish are taken without the controller of fishing right’s consent, then the Schedule 1 Theft Act offence is made out and can instead be processed.

In this instance, think of Schedule 1 as a ‘theft of fishing rights’ by virtue of taking fish away from the water.
There are other local and national byelaws which the EA Fisheries Enforcement Officers can use. There is also the Salmon Act, which now makes handling any fish in suspicious circumstances an offence.

What You Should Do

Although an individual angler may wish to first inform the rights holder of any suspicions, section 1 theft is a criminal offence dealt with by the police. This is as ruled by the National Police Chief’s Council.

Each case will be different and it is possible to risk assess your response. For minor incidents such as rod & line poaching – and if you consider it safe – you can challenge any suspected poachers in a non-aggressive way, pointing out the legal requirements. If those approached don’t comply and refuse when then asked to leave, then report the matter to the police.

If they leave without issue, you should document the details and share with other club bailiffs in case they return.
If an offence is in progress, the number to dial is 999. Retrospective reporting should be directed to 101. In some areas, a 101 report may be presented online.

Alternatively, incidents can always be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

When reporting any incident, the following information may be considered helpful if available:

Time, date and location
The number and description of offenders
Vehicle registration numbers
Tackle and bait used
Evidence of fish removal

To support any allegation, fisheries may carry identifiable information about high-value individual specimens such as photographic catalogues that include scale patterns.
In cases of section 1 theft, where rod licence compliance and general fisheries offences are all involved, the Police will work in partnership with the EA to progress an investigation.

Theft of Fishing Rights

The Law

In simple terms, this is fishing without permission. Permission is usually understood as the granting of a day ticket, seasonal pass or angling club permit. On a ‘free’ stretch of river, permission is not technically still required however the owner of the fishing rights would have been deemed to give permission in allowing free fishing. Where a private right exists and is exercised, fishing without permission is a criminal act under Schedule 1 of the Theft Act, 1968. A valid fishing licence is required in all cases.
The offence is committed whether or not fish have been caught. Fish need not be taken away for the offence to be satisfied. In freshwater, anglers fishing from boats require the same permissions as those angling from the bank.

What You Should Do

This should be reported to the Police, however, in certain circumstances the Environment Agency may act if offences against fisheries legislation are committed and fish are permanently removed.

Each case will be different, but you could of course, consider challenging any suspected poachers in a non-aggressive way, pointing out the legal requirements to fish. If they don’t comply and refuse when then asked to leave, then report the matter to the police. If they leave without issue, just document the details and share with other club bailiffs in case they return.

As ruled by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, fishing without permission should be reported to 999 if the offence is in progress, or via 101.

Alternatively, incidents can be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
An investigation will require evidence of:

Proof of private rights of fishery
Clear signage, preferably multi-lingual, indicating private fishing
Time, date, location
Description of offender/vehicle/boat
Whether a baited line was in the water, kind of tackle

For more information on enforcement and education activities in your area and how you can you get in contact with your Local Angling Trust Regional Enforcement Support Manager visit https://anglingtrust.net/enforcement/

For further details about the Environment Agency’s incident reporting visit Report an environmental incident – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) the 0800 80 70 60 number is a 24hour hotline
All of our fisheries education and enforcement work is funded by fishing licence income and delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency.

TWO NEW SERIES OF GONE FISHING ON THE WAY!

15/3/2023

Britain’s favourite angling duo of Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are returning to our screens with not one, but two new series of the hit show, Gone Fishing.
Series six will be aired on BBC Two later this year, during which we’ll see the two friends head to venues in Wales, Shropshire, Wiltshire and the Scottish

Borders, as well as Driffield Beck and Burgh Island. Series seven will be released in 2024 and is set to feature two bonus episodes on top of the usual six 30-minute programmes.

“We are delighted that Gone Fishing will be coming back” said the BBC’s Commissioning Editor Max Gogarty. “This show brings a huge amount of joy, catharsis and escapism to millions of viewers each week.”

THE CANAL AND RIVER TRUST’S FREE LET'S FISH STARTS IN THE BLACK COUNTRY FROM APRIL UNTIL SEPTEMBER

14/3/2023

Want to try out fishing for the first time to see if it’s a hobby you would enjoy? Or maybe you just need a bit more knowledge to give you confidence to be able to fish on your own.

Whatever your reasons, the Canal and River Trust will get you catching in no time. Fishing is a great way to relax and spend time outdoors with your family. Whether you've never fished before or you fished as a youngster and now want to get back into it, find out more about the Canal and River Trust’s award-winning, free let's fish! Events.

Click On The Below Event To Register

Free Let's Fish! - 03/04/23 - Walsall
Starts: April 03 09:30
Ends: April 03 16:00
Navigation Street, Walsall, BB11 2FG

Free Let's Fish! - 04/04/23 - Wolverhampton
Starts: April 04 09:30
Ends: April 04 16:00
Bridgenorth Road Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 0AQ

Free Let's Fish! - 06/04/23 - Tipton
Starts: April 06 09:30
Ends: April 06 16:00
Eyston Avenue Tipton, Birmingham, DY4 0QG

Free Let's Fish! - 07/04/23 - Dudley
Starts: April 07 09:30
Ends: April 07 16:00
Bumble Hole Windmill End, Dudley, DY2 9HT

Free Let's Fish! - 10/04/23 - Walsall
Starts: April 10 09:30
Ends: April 10 16:00
Navigation Street, Walsall, BB11 2FG

Free Let's Fish! - 11/04/23 - Wolverhampton
Starts: April 11 09:30
Ends: April 11 16:00
Bridgenorth Road Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 0AQ

Free Let's Fish! - 13/04/23 - Tipton
Starts: April 13 09:30
Ends: April 13 16:00
Eyston Avenue Tipton, Birmingham, DY4 0QG

Free Let's Fish! - 14/04/23 - Dudley
Starts: April 14 09:30
Ends: April 14 16:00
Bumble Hole Windmill End, Dudley, DY2 9HT

AGENCY REVEALS WHERE £22M OF FISHING LICENCE FEES WENT

9/3/2023

The body that collects fishing licence revenue from UK anglers has revealed how nearly £22m of the income has been spent in the last year.
The Environment Agency (EA) said in its annual report that it

sold almost 935,000 licences and worked with 1,000 partners, including the industry representative industry body, the Angling Trade Association (ATA), to improve stocks and habitats, provide new facilities for anglers and make fisheries more accessible.

EA Fisheries Manager, Heidi Stone, said: “The Agency has carried out some fantastic projects that will improve our fisheries and benefit anglers around the country. We inject income from fees directly back into fisheries – and I want to thank anglers for continuing to play their part and allowing us to invest in projects to help our environment flourish.”

In 2022, more than 50 projects were completed through the Angling Improvement Fund (AIF) – funded by EA rod income – with many of these funding biosecurity measures to protect fisheries from predators such as otters and cormorants.

Meanwhile, the EA enforcement teams continue to make sure anglers comply with the regulations to protect fish stocks. In 2021 to 2022, it checked over 41,000 licences and successfully prosecuted nearly 730 anglers for fishing without a licence.

BEWARE OF BOGUS BAILIFFS ON THE BANK

8/3/2023

River anglers are being warned not to fall being foul of unscrupulous individuals pretending to be bailiffs following an incident in the East Midlands last week.

It took place on Spalding’s Coronation Channel, where an angler was confronted by a man posing as an officer from the controlling club who claimed he was breaking the rules and told him to hand over his tackle or he’d be reported to the police.

It was only after complying that the angler realised, he’d been conned.

The fishing on the venue is controlled by Peterborough and District AA (P&DAA), who boast one of the country’s most pro-active bailiff teams.

Chairman Rob Harris said: “Our bailiffs all carry photo ID, and I told the angler that he shouldn’t answer to anyone who doesn’t have one. We’ve had incidents before, where someone goes round with a bit of paper claiming to be a bailiff and taking day ticket cash.”

Rob believes the incident emphasises the need for clubs to modernise their practices.

“Our bailiffs also wear uniforms, and mainly take contactless payments for tickets. We’re planning further modernising measures, including a database showing all tickets and memberships that have been sold.”

BIRMINGHAM ANGLING CENTRE CLOSES ITS DOORS FOR THE LAST TIME

7/3/2023

Midland anglers bid a farewell to one of the region’s longest-running tackle shops last weekend, as Birmingham Angling Centre closed its doors. Started by pioneering specimen angler Terry Eustace, and Eric Oakes, in the mid-1970s, the shop had been popular for decades.

“Our customers are the one thing I’ll miss most,” said manager Rob Eustace, adding that the decision was for family as well as business reasons.

“It’s difficult to survive as an independent in this age,” he explained. “The biggest market players and online retailers have a huge advantage. I don’t blame anglers for shopping around, but you just don’t get that same level of advice and care as at your local shop.”

However, Rob added that, despite the closure, the family’s long connection with angling would continue.

“The angling trade is special,” he said. “Most of us do it for love. I’m staying in the game and we intend to relaunch the Terry Eustace Gold Label brand in the future.”

Meanwhile, Birmingham Anglers Association has called for the fishing community to spend in tackle shops this month to help them weather tough times. With the double whammy of slow winter trading months and meeting the cost-of-living crisis, the club is encouraging anglers to take part in so-called ‘£5 February’.

“We appreciate the amazing job tackle shops do, and by the positive response we’ve had, I think anglers really appreciate it too,” said committee member Phil Mattock. “As the saying goes, use them or lose them!” Angling Times Editor James Furness echoed the call, suggesting the initiative should run further still.

“Shops need our support more than ever,” he said. “Whether you’re planning river trip or getting ready for spring on the Stillwater’s, I’d urge all anglers to visit their local.”

These sentiments were shared by the Angling Trades Association’s Andrew Race, who added: “The loss of any angling retailer, of any size, is always serious. Knowledge, livelihoods and community spirit are not easily replaced. Now is the time to support retailers so they remain part of the scenery.”

DUDLEY MAN FINED FOR ILLEGAL FISHING AT STOURPORT FISHERY

6/3/2023

An angler has been hit with a court bill of nearly £300 after admitting fishing without a licence at a Stourport fishery.
Jagdev Rana, aged 26, from Bradfield Way, Dudley, pleaded guilty to illegal fishing at Wilden Pool Fishery on October 8.

He was ordered to pay a total penalty of £289, including a fine of £146, costs of £85, and a victim surcharge of £58.

The case was one of three brought by the Environment Agency and heard at Northampton Magistrates Court on Monday February 13.

Nichola Tomlinson, fisheries enforcement team leader at the Environment Agency, said it was hoped the penalty would act as a deterrent to “anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws we have in place across England”.

She added: “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.”

Any angler, aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish.
A one-day licence costs from £6, and an annual licence costs from £30 (concessions available). Junior licences are free for 13 to 16-year-olds.

Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060 or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org.

‘TAKE A FRIEND FISHING’ IS BACK FOR 2023

6/3/2023

The national ‘Take a Friend Fishing’ and ‘National Fishing Month’ campaigns are back in 2023 with an extended programme of events.

Aimed at attracting new anglers into the sport and encouraging lapsed anglers to pick up their rods and head back to the waterside, ‘Take a Friend Fishing’ and ‘National Fishing Month’ offer more opportunities than ever before for anglers to go fishing with a non-angling friend during their extended 2023 Easter and summer campaigns.

To encourage existing anglers to become involved in the ‘Take a Friend Fishing’ Easter initiative, which runs from Saturday, April 1st to Sunday, April 16 inclusive, and National Fishing Month’s ‘Summer Holidays’ campaign between Saturday 29th July and Sunday 3rd September inclusive, 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.

The one-day licences would normally cost worth £6.60 for a coarse licence.

Take a Friend Fishing is an initiative run by the Angling Trades Association in association with the Environment Agency and supported by Angling Trust, the Canal & River Trust and many other angling organisations.

Andrew Race, Chairman of the Angling Trades Association, said: “After the success of Take a Friend Fishing in 2022, I am looking forward to building momentum again in 2023 with an extended programme. Take a Friend Fishing is capable of making such a difference, not only to the long-term development of angling recruitment, but also to people’s lives. Angling is a proven therapy both mentally and physically and it knows no boundaries in terms of ability, age, sex, or background.”

Find out more at www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk/#faqs.