Fishing in Downton Parish

Downton Parish Council poster entitled "A reminder to all those budding fishing folk, and experienced ones!" which contains the following text: "The Parish Council can see how popular fishing is in Downton. What with Mortimer, Whitehouse and Ted the dog, plus Downton’s beautiful waterways it is a peaceful and lovely pursuit. However, a timely reminder of the fishing rules from the Environment Agency is below – please ensure you are fishing legally. 1. 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 in England. A rod licence is required when fishing on privately owned land, this includes lakes or stretches of river controlled by an angling club or association. As well as being in possession of a rod licence you must have permission from the land or fishery owner to fish in the area. You can get a fine of up to £2,500 if you’re fishing in these areas and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence. 2. Licences are required from the age of 13, licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free. From 17 onwards, anglers need to pay for a rod licence. To get a rod licence, follow the instructions on www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence 3. It is illegal to take fish from any waterbody without the landowner’s permission. Taking fish without permission is classed as theft. 4. Coarse fishing has a closed season from 15 March until 15 June on rivers and some lakes, fishing for coarse fish during this time is illegal. The closed season exists to allow coarse fish species to go through their spawning period without disturbance from angling. So, the message is…enjoy fishing but do it legally!"