New fishing rods to come with a licence tag attached PDF Print E-mail
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 11:43

BUDDING anglers buying a new fishing rod in Cornwall are now greeted by two tags - a price tag and an Environment Agency tag reminding them to purchase a rod licence before heading off to their local lake or river.

 

Cornwall is the first place in the country to introduce rod tagging to raise awareness among anglers and reduce the number of people prosecuted for licence dodging. The tags only apply to anglers aged 12 years or over fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels.

 

Each tag contains details of where licences can be obtained and reminds anglers it is an offence to fish without a valid rod licence. Offenders can face a fine of up to £2,500 and end up with a criminal record. It also urges anglers to call the Environment Agency’s free 24-hour hotline 0800 80 70 60 if they discover pollution or see fish in distress.

 

One of the advantages of the scheme is that it helps boost rod licences sales and enables the Agency to make more efficient use of its manpower and resources.

 

“Money from rod licence sales is put to good use improving fisheries through re-stocking, fish surveys, environmental monitoring and improving waterside habitats. Money is also used to encourage newcomers to take up the sport of angling through special open day events aimed at all the family,” said Robin Duffy for the Environment Agency.

 

Anglers visiting privately owned lakes and ponds must make sure they have a valid rod licence and not assume the cost of a day ticket includes a licence payment. “It’s a bit like leaving your car in a cark park. You don’t expect the owner of the car park to ask whether your vehicle is taxed and insured. The responsibility rests with you,” he continued.

 

One of the first angling centres to sign up to the scheme is the fishing shop at the Homeleigh Garden Centre near Launceston, Cornwall.

 

“We fully support the Agency on rod tagging as it helps ensure customers become responsible anglers by purchasing a rod licence before they start fishing,” said shop manager, Rob Williams.

 

In 2008 Cornwall had the highest increase in rod licence sales in the country making it an ideal area for a pilot scheme.

 

If successful, the Environment Agency plans to roll out the rod tagging scheme across the country. Rod licences are available online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk from Post Offices or by telephoning 0844 800 5386.