An angler was fined after fishing without a rod licence and obstructing an Environment Agency officer at a lake in Norfolk.
Jayne Hinch, 56, pleaded guilty to the two offences, which occurred at Willow Lakes, Bodham in north Norfolk on July 18.
Hinch, of Pastor Ridings, Peterborough, received a total penalty of £230, comprising £50 fine, £150 costs and a victim surcharge of £30, at Norwich magistrates court on November 15.
After the hearing the Environment Agency's enforcement team leader Lesley Robertson said: 'Environment Agency Fisheries enforcement officers regularly patrol waters across East Anglia. Our officers are deemed to be a constable for the purposes of enforcing the Salmon and freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, or any order or byelaw under it.
'This case shows that anyone found fishing illegally or obstructing an officer carrying out their duties may face prosecution and a fine.'
All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
Rod licences now run 365 days from the day of purchase, regardless of when it is bought in the year.
Ms Robertson added: 'The money raised through the sales of rod licences is re-invested and enables us to improve all fisheries including rivers for anglers. Our officers routinely undertake licence checks and we urge anyone with information about illegal fishing activities to contact us.'
A 365-day licence for the 2018/19 season costs £30 for non-migratory trout and coarse fish (two rods) or £82 for salmon and migratory trout (one rod). A 365-day non-migratory trout and coarse fish licence for three rods costs £45.
One and eight-day licences for occasional anglers with two rods are also available for £6 and £12 (non-migratory trout, coarse fish and eels) or £20 and £54 (salmon and migratory trout).
Illegal fishing should be reported to the Environment Agency's incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or alternatively to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Licences can be bought using a credit or debit card by calling the telesales line on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm.
Alternatively, they can be obtained from the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/fishing-licences or any Post Office.
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