Fisherman lands hefty fine after he's caught out in Saltash

Fisherman lands hefty fine after he's caught angling near Plymouth
-Credit: (Image: Submitted)


A fisherman has been hit with a huge fine for fishing without the correct licence near Plymouth. Daniel Hoskin was found guilty and fined hundreds of pounds for fishing at Bake Lakes near Saltash on April 23.

Hoskin, 39, from Burden Close, Bodmin was caught and a case was brought against him. It was proven that he was guilty without him attending court, and he was fined £220 and ordered to pay £135 costs and a £88 victim surcharge at Northampton Magistrates' Court on August 22.

The Environment Agency (EA) fisheries enforcement officer, Benjamin Pessl, said: "There is no worse feeling than being sat on the bank then seeing us approach you, knowing you don't have a licence. It's not worth the gamble. We do patrol and we do check and we do prosecute."

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CornwallLive reports that on 23 April 2024 at Bake Lakes, Saltash, Daniel Hoskin allegedly fished for freshwater fish or eels using an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely a rod and line, contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. He was charged and fined by magistrates.

Licences are mandatory for any person aged 13 or older wishing to fish in rivers, canals or still waters. Prices for a one-day pass start at just £6 and annual permits from £30, while juniors between 13-16 can cast off for free.

Licences can be purchased via the government website www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by ringing the Environment Agency. The agency is vigilant year-round, working with various partners such as the police and Angling Trust, focusing on fishing hotspots and acting on reports of illegal activity.

If you have any information about illegal fishing activities, you can contact the Environment Agency's incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.