An Evesham man was fined for fishing without a licence at a local fishery, highlighting the importance of following fishing regulations.
Evesham: So, there was this guy, Sebastian Kucharski, who got himself into a bit of trouble. He was caught fishing without a licence at Manor Farm Fishery back in August. Fast forward to January 13, and he found himself in front of the magistrates in Northampton.
Now, he didn’t even show up for his sentencing, which is a bit surprising. They hit him with a £220 fine, plus £135 in costs and an £88 victim surcharge. Ouch!
The charges were pretty serious too. He was fishing for freshwater fish without the proper licence, which is a big no-no under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act.
Interestingly, he wasn’t the only one in hot water that day. Three guys were sentenced for the same thing. The Environment Agency had a spokesperson say they hope these penalties will make others think twice before breaking the rules.
They mentioned that illegal fishing can lead to fines of up to £2,500, and they’re always on the lookout for offenders. It’s all about protecting fish stocks and making sure fishing stays sustainable for everyone who plays by the rules.
The agency works year-round with the police and the Angling Trust to keep an eye on things. They focus on areas where illegal fishing is reported, so it’s best to stay on the right side of the law if you’re planning to fish.
