A POOLE angler’s relaxing day of fishing turned into a nightmare when he received a £250 fine for failing to buy a £3.75 day-long rod licence.

Surveyor Danny Roach, 29, told how an officer from the Environment Agency confronted him while he was fishing for carp at Todber Manor, in Somerset.

Although the father-of-one had a permit, he did not realise he also needed a rod licence to fish on a private lake. He was then informed he would be prosecuted.

Now Mr Roach, who received a court summons last month and is still deciding whether to appeal the fine, hopes his story will act as a cautionary tale to other anglers who may have no idea of the financial consequences of failing to buy a rod licence.

“I regularly read about crimes that go unpunished,” said Mr Roach, who has since bought a year-long rod licence.

“People who have committed assaults walk away with a caution.

“No one ever got hurt by not paying a rod licence. It’s ridiculous. The punishment should fit the crime.

“I think the message is get a rod licence. Don’t run the risk – it’s just not worth it.”

Mr Roach, who had not fished for two years when the incident happened, told how he always made sure he had a rod licence when he used to go angling in rivers and canals.

“I explained what the confusion was and bought one off him then and there,” Mr Roach added.

“I couldn’t believe it when he started reading me my rights. It just seems very unreasonable.”

A spokesman from the Environment Agency said that to fish for freshwater fish in any water in England you need a current rod fishing licence and permission to fish from the owner of the fishery.

“Rod licence money is invested back into maintaining, improving and developing fisheries,” he added.

“This includes re-stocking, monitoring fish populations and anti-pollution work.

“Money is also used to improve facilities for disabled anglers. The Agency works in partnership with local river trusts and other organisations to improve fisheries.”