A PONTYPOOL man has been ordered to pay hundreds of pounds after being caught fishing without a valid rod licence.

Nicky James was seen fishing by enforcement officers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) during a patrol on June 23, 2023, on a stretch of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal in Pontypool.

When questioned by officers, Mr James, of Station Road, confirmed he did not hold a current rod licence.

On 6 September, Mr James pleaded guilty to using an unlicensed fishing instrument at Cwmbran Magistrates Court and was fined £115, ordered to pay a cost of £127.30 and a £46 victim surcharge.

In total Mr James was ordered to pay a total of £288.

John Rock, Waste Regulation Team Leader for NRW said: “We take any activity that threatens Welsh fish stocks extremely seriously and this is especially true of illegal fishing.

“We urge anglers to make use of our beautiful countryside in Wales, but to do so responsibly and to ensure that they have licences to fish, to avoid risking prosecution.

“Remember you must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line. You could be fined up to up to £2,500 and your fishing equipment could be seized if you’re fishing and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence.”

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is asked to report it to the NRW 24 hour incident hotline on 0300 065 3000 or on the NRW website:

Rod licences can be purchased here.