Pontypool man fined for fishing without a rod licence

A Pontypool man has been ordered to pay a total of £288 after being caught fishing on a stretch of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal in Pontypool, without a valid rod licence.

Nicky James, was seen fishing by enforcement officers from Natural Resources Wales, on a stretch of the canal on 23 June during a patrol.

When questioned by officers, Mr James confirmed he did not hold a current rod licence.

On 6 September, Mr James pleaded guilty to using an unlicensed fishing instrument at Cwmbran Magistrates Court and was fined £115, ordered to pay a cost of £127.30 and a £46 victim surcharge. 

John Rock, Waste Regulation team leader for NRW said:

We take any activity that threatens Welsh fish stocks extremely seriously and this is especially true of illegal fishing.

We urge anglers to make use of our beautiful countryside in Wales, but to do so responsibly and to ensure that they have licences to fish, to avoid risking prosecution.

Remember you must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line. You could be fined up to up to £2,500 and your fishing equipment could be seized if you’re fishing and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence.

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity can report it to the NRW 24 hour incident hotline on 0300 065 3000 or on the NRW website: Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident

Rod licences can be purchased online at:

https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/buy-a-fishing-rod-licence/?lang=en