Harry Burston, 30, of Hazelmere, Otterford, Chard, has been found guilty in his absence of fishing without a licence. He was one of eleven men caught fishing without a license across the south west of England. They were sentenced at Swindon magistrates’ court on 8 January 2024 for illegal fishing practices.

Burston was caught fishing at the Chard Reservoir. He was fined £220 and ordered to pay £135 in costs and a £88 victim surcharge fee.

The charge against his was that: “On 9 July 2023 at Chard Reservoir, Chard, in a place where fishing is regulated, fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line, contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.”

James Allan, an Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer, said after the cases were concluded: “Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefitting anglers and, for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute. Rod fishing byelaws are there to protect fish stocks and their habitats. If you do not comply with these byelaws you could face prosecution and be fined up to £2,500.”

Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A 1-day licence costs from just £6 and an annual licence costs from just £30 – concessions are available. Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds. Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.