Is the Environment Agency talking b*llocks?

[merrie_thames]

I always thought that tidal waters could be fished without a permit so I thought it was odd when I saw a brand new EA rod licence warning notice at Richmond in London where the Thames is tidal. I phoned them up to check this and was told by someone who had to keep checking with his colleagues that you do need one for tidal waters. Then he told me that a rod licence was needed for fishing IN THE SEA as well!!!!!

Is this true?

[NICK R]

No rod licence is required for sea fishing,unless your fishing for salmon and sea trout up to 6 miles off shore

[barbelblanker]

Sea anglers conservation network site has an answer and I quote (recognising the source).

"A Rod Licence is required when fishing for freshwater fish, eels, Salmon or Sea Trout anywhere in England or Wales and out to 6 miles at sea.

Any angler deemed to be fishing for these whether in marine, tidal or freshwater will need to ensure they are licenced for them, whether or not they have caught.

For enforcement, the Agency will consider whether the angler is fishing at a location and with a method liable to catch these species.

If so they will enforce the licence requirement.
"

from

http://www.sacn.org.uk/Articles/Do_I...A_Licence.html

So it appears to be down to the bailiff and what you are after .

If its mullet then no, if chub or roach then yes.

[NICK R]

would to catch a chub or a skimmer 5 miles out in the irish then pmsl

[Noel]

Tidal stretches are weird. It depends who owns the fishing rights. Some people swear blind that they're free to fish because of ancient laws (Magna Carta etc) but in reality you probably still need permission like any other stretch... Depends on local bylaws etc.

Also, it all depends what you're fishing for. If you're fishing for coarse and game fish you need a licence. If you're fishing for sea fish you don't. But some methods catch both species. So it would be up to the EA to prove you were breaking the law, I think.

[NICK R]

maybe so ,

But who the heck would be fishing for coarse fish in the sea ,
i class trout and salmon as game fish
A eel is only a freshwater eel when its in fresh water

[barbelblanker]

Dan and Mike probably had a few nutters trying to catch carp in the bristol channel on the Helen over the years :)

[NICK R]

I know a few that fish brackish waters for carp mate ,
but can you see some one bivvied up On Brighton beach

[barbelblanker]

Need a bloody long pole though :)

[NICK R]

Dont think you want to be caught holding your pole on Brighton Beach