THE Environment Agency has announced that it is planning a major crack down on out-of-season coarse angling when the close season starts for two months on March 15.

Trout fishing does not apply because the season for game fish opens that day in the North West on west-flowing Yorkshire Dales rivers like the Ribble and ten days later on the Wharfe, Aire, Ure and others which flow east.

A warning statement issued at the weekend reads: “The Environment Agency is reminding all coarse fish anglers the 2008 close season starts on March 15 and that by the time it ends in June they will need to have bought a new rod licence.

“All current full and concessionary rod licences expire on March 31, so if you are planning to fish in England or Wales over the coming season, now is the time to buy a new one.

“The close season lasts from 15 March to 15 June inclusive each year, to protect fish during the breeding season. It applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England and Wales, but does not apply to most still-waters and canals.

“During the close season Environment Agency 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 rod licence will have their details recorded and may be prosecuted.”

In 2007 more than 4,300 anglers appeared in front of judges across England and Wales for fishing without a valid rod licence. They paid nearly £610,000 in fines and costs. In addition 35 anglers received cautions from the courts, a man from Hastings was banned from fishing for one year and a man from Staines was banned for two and a half years.

• Rod licences expire on March 31, 2008. They can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or on-line at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night.