A LONG weekend of fishing licence enforcement has netted 69 people fishing illegally across Yorkshire.

A team of bailiffs from the Environment Agency visited 70 sites in the county, checking almost 650 anglers for valid rod licences.

Of those checked, 69 were unable to produce one on the bank and now could face fines of up to £2,500.

The bailiffs also monitored rivers to catch anglers fishing during the close season – it is illegal to fish for coarse fish until June 16.

Peter Mischenko, fisheries technical officer for the Environment Agency said: "Our bailiffs routinely patrol still water fisheries, canals and rivers all over the region, but as bank holidays are a particularly busy time for anglers we had a crackdown this weekend.

"It can cost as little as £27 to buy a rod licence and all of the money goes back into maintaining, improving and protecting our fisheries. Those who choose not to buy a licence are only not only breaking the law, but are cheating honest anglers.

"We are continually looking at new ways to protect our fisheries and working closer than ever with angling clubs to ensure that all laws relating to fisheries are adhered to."

Anglers must be in possession of a licence before fishing and must be able to produce it when requested by an Environment Agency bailiff or other authorised person. There are junior and concessionary priced licences.

Licences can be bought from post offices, via the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish or by calling 08701-662662.

Licences run between April 1 and March 31 and are valid for two rods.