MORE than 400 North-East anglers had their rod licences checked in a blitz on illegal angling.

Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement officers were out on patrol over the Bank Holiday weekend and acted on intelligence to seek out those fishing without a licence.

They made 369 first time checks on anglers, and 40 repeat checks of anglers who officers have previously seen on the region’s river banks and waters.

Of the 409 checked, seven men were reported for unlicensed fishing.

Kevin Summerson, fisheries enforcement technical specialist in the North-East, said: “It’s good news to see that the vast majority of those enjoying fishing on our great rivers and stillwaters in the North-East have a licence.

“It’s the small number of anglers who cheat others by not buying a licence who we will continue to target.

“The money they pay for a rod licence goes back into supporting fishing and fisheries. Those who flout the law are undermining others and endangering fish stocks and the future of the sport, as well as running the risk of a criminal conviction and fine.

“We’ll continue to work closely with angling clubs and police to gather intelligence about illegal fishing, and respond to reports from the public.”

The Bank Holiday blitz comes after 18 people were reported for a variety of offences in the region during a summer season crackdown in July and August.

Anyone fishing illegally can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500 and up to £50,000 for byelaw offences.