Illegal anglers netted in Shropshire operation
A number of illegal anglers fishing on Shropshire's waterways have been netted in a joint operation by the Environment Agency enforcement team and river bailiffs.
Late night raids caught the illegal fisherman casting their rods on water along the River Severn in Shrewsbury.
Shropshire Anglers' Federation were out in force in a joint enterprise with the Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Team and blitzed the fisheries.
Four men were caught with illegal rods and are now facing prosecution for fishing waters without a permit.
One team started at 4pm on Saturday and patrolled in to the early hours along the river bank and also inspected brooks and pools.
A number of men were caught not only without an Environment Agency licence but also without permission to fish the waters where they were.
As they were also caught night fishing they face prosecution for that too.
John Roberts, chief river bailiff for Shropshire Angler's Federation, said: "It is amazing how many individuals are now facing intended prosecution.
"We had two teams out and it is one thing being caught without an Environment Agency license and but then to be also being caught without permission to fish. This is just as serious.
"For team one the day started in the afternoon and rolled until well into the dark hours. Night fishing, which is any fishing without a permit or permission after dusk, also took a few by surprise. For the Shropshire Angler's Federation day or annual permit holders this can turn in to an offence.
"Team two concentrated on Shropshire Angler's Federation waters and this produced an equally good result and there were some unbelievable excuses for not having the correct permit. These included: 'I didn't know I needed a permit to fish' to 'I'm not fishing' while sitting behind a rod. Each permit can be checked on the computer at the time of questioning.
"The Environment Agency is currently prosecuting two anglers found fishing seven rods out of season at the end of May. Netting of the illegal angler is now becoming a regular story.
"The Environment Agency, Shropshire Angler's Federation or any angling entity rely solely upon revenue to support, evolve and finance all and any angling related matters.
"It is intended that these joint enterprise patrols will now become a regular entity."
