Anglers in Gedling borough are being reminded the close season for coarse fishing comes into effect from today.
The close season – which is enforced by the Environment Agency – prevents fishing for coarse fish, like barbel and chub, for three months to give the fish a chance to breed.
The close season, which runs from March 15 until June 15, applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England but does not apply to most still-waters and canals
During the close season Environment Agency enforcement offices along with support from the Angling Trusts Voluntary 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. Anyone fishing without a fishing licence can expected to be prosecuted.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “Our job is to protect fish stocks and improve fisheries. This includes rescuing fish in distress, improving habitat and restocking rivers with 450,000 fish a year.
“The majority of anglers, who fish legally, rightly demand that we take action to catch offenders.
Our enforcement officers, supported by Angling Trust voluntary bailiffs, will be targeting illegal fishing. We urge anyone to report illegal fishing as quickly as possible by calling our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
You can check which still waters and canals still have a close season in operation by checking the byelaws which apply in your area at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/local-fishing-byelaws.
Anyone who wants to go fishing needs to buy a fishing licence. A full annual licence costs £30 (short term and some concessionary licences are also available) and are available online at www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence.