Anglers eagerly anticipating the opening of the coarse fishing season on June 16 should make sure they have a valid rod licence before heading for the river, the Environment Agency has warned.

The reminder comes as 270 anglers were prosecuted by the Environment Agency in May, resulting in more than £38,000 in fines and costs.

In addition, three anglers received cautions.

Fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish and eels in England and Wales and the Border Esk in Scotland requires a licence from the Environment Agency.

In a written statement, the Environment Agency said: "Those caught fishing illegally face tough penalties, including fines of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing.

"A small number of anglers believe a licence is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This is not the case. All rod licences expire on March 31."

A full season coarse and trout fishing licence for 2007/08 costs £24.50, while a salmon and sea trout licence costs £66.50.

There is also a range of concessionary, junior, eight-day and one day licences.

The three million people who receive Disability Living Allowance in England and Wales are eligible for a half price fishing licence, the Environment Agency noted.

"The protection of vulnerable fish stocks and increasing fishing participation are among the Environment Agency’s key environmental goals," the Environment Agency added

"The money raised through rod licence sales, some £19m, is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers."

Last year, more than £600,000 was paid in fines and costs by more than 4,400 illegal anglers for fishing without a rod licence.

In addition, 40 anglers received cautions from the courts, the Environment Agency warned.

For information about purchasing a license, visit www.environment-gency.gov.uk/rodlicence.

The article Anglers urged to buy a licence originally appeared on 999 Today