TWO anglers have been detained for unlicensed fishing.

Acting on a tip-off, police swooped on Framwellgate on the River Wear, Durham, on Tuesday, (October 2), detaining an unlicensed angler who was fishing in a prohibited area. The second angler was caught at 7.30pm coming away from the river with a fish, and later admitted to using the illegal method of foul-hooking.

The first angler originally gave a false name and address, but confessed the correct details when he realised that the Environment Agency were able to check his identity through the police. The police also uncovered illegal weapons and shotgun ammunition from a car.

Illegal fishing could lead to a £2,500 fine or three months imprisonment, as well as a fishing ban, forfeiture of fishing equipment and vehicles used in the commission of the offence, as well as a driving ban for up to six months.

Fisheries enforcement team leader at the Environment Agency, Kevin Summerson, said: “The methods that are being used can have a dramatic impact on wildlife, cause serious damage to already threatened fish stocks, our natural heritage, and ruin the sport for legitimate anglers and future generations."