Hi all.

this being my first post and an unhappy post aswell

i recentley moved down to england ( cheshire) and after the move starting the new job and finally getting settled down i decided to unpack my rod buy some new equipment and find a local fishery to have a little me time

however it did not occur to me at the time that i needed a rod licence as all the times i went fishing it was pay for your day ticket and away you go

unfortunantley this was not the case when the enviromental agency appeared behind me,

as things went on he explained that i needed a rod licence to fish the waters in england and wales and wrote me up a ticket. i explained to the man that it was the first time ive fished in england, and i then promptly went away and got a licence from the tackle shop ( bought an annual one as im hoping this dosent deter me from fishing)

so really what im asking is what are the chances that i get off with a caution, and if i do get fined what are the chances of getting off without it going down on my record forsay if it was to be a £50 fine i make a £100 donation to the EA?

any suggestions

Have a look here maximum fine £2500.

A case like this is the reason why Fishery owners should be held accountable for those fishing on their waters.

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Jim

My only worry is that when I die,my wife sells my fishing gear, for what I said I paid for it

In an ideal world perhaps. But fishery owners have no legal authority to ensure all of their clients are in possesion of a valid EA rod license as fas as I am aware? They also have no incentive. If someone ets caught and fined why would they worry? Especially if the fishery has a poster saying "EA rod license required" or similar?

Sorry to say that I reckon you'll get shafted the EA doesn't listen to excuses!

******,

at the end of the day it is my fault as i shouldnt of assumed that the rules were the same,

but i shall wait and see who chases it up with me then argue it with them,

thanks anyway, any tips on getting away with a caution is most welcomed

Whilst I can understand and accept that you made a genuine mistake,I do not work for the EA,so I think you would be better off practicing pleas in mitigation,rather than pinning your hopes on a warning!

Unfortunately for you the EA can argue that their TV adverts were frequently shown Nationwide. The only saving grace being that they say you "COULD" end up with a criminal record, not will. In your circumstances,looks like you may be able to plead your case,but who knows.I think all fines and sentences in the ads. are maximised for a fear factor.

I forgot--I hope things go well for you. 2

I will never understand why a licence is required to fish in a dug out hole in the ground full of stocked fish.

B.R.

Factually the EA licence is for the instrument......its a rod and line licence.
Literally as you wrote......its because the owner has paid to stock the water and that's how he makes a return on his investment.......but I know what you mean

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Two things to have in life - A good bed and a good pair of boots -and if you aren't in one you should be in t'other

Your best plea is probably that the offence was brought about by innocent ignorance - and that the appropriate licence was bought at the earliest opportunity.

Good luck.

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Plusnet/Madasafish > Liars to the internet community